Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 3rd, 2014–Jan 4th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Assess your line very carefully and be mindful for rocks and vegetation buried under the new snow.

Weather Forecast

A return to colder conditions and only a few centimeters of snow is forecast for the next few days. This will do little to change the current avalanche conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of new storm snow now overlies existing wind slabs. Strong supportive mid pack at TL and above lies on a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist.

Avalanche Summary

Road patrols in the forecast area observed a size 2 storm slab at TL and sloughing from steep south facing terrain.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Triggering this layer from a shallow area is possible and would have high consequences in terrain features of any size.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Multiple wind slab layers at the top of the snowpack can be triggered and may step down to the deeper instability at the bottom of the snow pack.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Up to 30cm of new storm snow is not yet bonded to the old snowpack.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2