Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2020 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Jasper Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Be vigilant for new windslabs. Potentially 70cm of snow may arrive Friday into Saturday evening. The Maligne lake road will close Thursday evening and Icefield's Parkway will be closed Friday at noon with a to be determined opening after Sunday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Thursday will bring flurries, 6 cm of snow, high -10 C, Southwest winds 20 km/h gusting to 55 km/h. Friday will bring 35 cm of snow, low -10 C, high -3 C, Southwest winds 25 km/h gusting to 70 km/h, and freezing level 1600 metres. Saturday will have 20cm more snow.

For more detailed analysis: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is highly variable across the forecast region but remains mainly facetted, particularly in shallow areas. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs continue to build with steady strong Southwest winds. They are prominent on N through E aspects but be wary of wind effect on all exposed or potentially cross-loaded slopes at treeline and above from local terrain influences.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This is a complex problem. The spacial variability and potential consequences of triggering a large avalanche on this layer makes it extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack. Consider this before entering large features.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2020 4:00PM