Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A buried surface hoar layer exists 30cm down at tree line and below in sheltered terrain. Solar crust also down 30cm can be found on steep solar aspects. Whumphing and cracking have been observed on both of these layers of concern; both should be evaluated carefully while in avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

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

    Use caution in steep and/or confined terrain features.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Assess terrain carefully for unusual loading patterns as the region experienced strong winds coming from various directions during last weeks storm period.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously; buried surface hoar may be present. Dig and assess this layer before commiting to terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Field team in the Icefield area on Monday observed shooting cracks and whumphing on surface hoar layer down 30 cm at tree line and below in sheltered east to northerly aspects. Nov 27th MIN report confirms the presence of the same layer of concern in the Maligne region.Icefield Parkway and Maligne road patrol noted no new natural avalanche activity on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

25-35cm overlies a surface hoar-Facet-crust combination layer depending on aspect and elevation. 6-10mm surface hoar is found preserved in sheltered treeline locations. Height of snow ranges from 60 to 100cm.

Weather Summary

Wednesday - isolated flurries with trace to 5cm possible; winds variable and light with an alpine high of -20C. Clearing Thursday and through the weekend with below seasonal temperatures persisting.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.

Regions covered