Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 13th, 2025–Nov 15th, 2025

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Early Season

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Early Season

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Early Season

Regions

Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Give the new storm snow time to settle out before venturing into steep terrain, as this represents a significant new load on the snowpack.

The Icefields Parkway may be closed for avalanche control on Friday Nov 14 from Parkers to Big Bend. Check for updates on https://511.alberta.ca/

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No alpine observations were made on Nov 13 because of poor visibility, however a natural avalanche cycle is expected to have occurred in the storm Thursday into Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30 cm of new snow fell near the Icefields, with up to 50 cm in some areas. Strong winds redistributed new snow into wind slabs on lee features.

Prior to this storm, the alpine had been scoured by extreme winds, which deposited snow into gullies and sheltered areas, creating significant variability in snow depth. There is approximately 80-130cms of snow in the alpine, 80cms at treeline, and 60cm below treeline. Early season hazards exist just below the surface.

Weather Summary

The storm that arrived Thursday is forcasted to bring up to 30 cm to the Parkway, with some high elevation areas receiving even more (possibly up to 50 cm), by Friday morning. Warm temperatures and strong winds accompanied the precipitation. The snow will ease off friday morning and temperatures will cool once again.

For updated forecasts go to Jasper National Park Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Keep your guard up as storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.