Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 29 – 30, 2021
View on map
Archived · expired 5 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Cold temperatures continue to be the primary hazard for backcountry travelers. Be aware that even a small injury or equipment issue may have serious consequences.

Watch out for wind slab in non typical locations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Periods of northerly wind over the past week have caused reverse loading in many areas.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Extra vigilance is warranted in steep terrain, ice climbs, and gully terrain traps where small avalanches can build into larger volumes.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    This problem, although increasingly stubborn, persists in isolated alpine terrain and may initiate with a large trigger such as a cornice failure or wind slab avalanche.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation.

Alpine temp: high -21 C.

Wind W: 15 km/h.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Trace precipitation.

Alpine temp: high -21 C.

Wind NW: 10 km/h

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud.

Alpine high -21

Wind West 10km/h

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind direction continues to build wind slab on exposed terrain features at treeline & above. Expect dry loose avalanches in steep, wind sheltered terrain. The mid-pack is supportive with an exception of a weakening crust interface down 30-40 cm (upto 1950m). Cold temperatures promoting top down facetting through-out the region

Avalanche Summary

Size one dry loose avalanches observed in steep unsupported terrain near weeping wall dec 27.

A size 2 natural wind slab avalanche was noted on the east aspect of Mt. Hilda at approx. 2400m. Estimated date dec 25.

Confidence

Regions covered