Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 5th, 2021–Jan 6th, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Strong SW winds continue to build wind slabs tree line and above.  Although natural avalanche activity has decreased, conservative terrain selection is still advised.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will see flurries with up to 10cm accumulating.  Ridge top winds will remain moderate to strong from the southwest.  Freezing level will remain at valley bottom high near -7.

Thursday mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation expected.  Winds will become light; high near -9.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 45cm of new snow this past weekend is being redistributed by strong SW winds. This new snow has further buried the mid-Dec persistent layers (surface hoar and facet combo) down 40-70cm. The mid-pack is supportive where snow is deeper than 60cm. The bottom of the snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Serval large natural avalanches were observed over the weekend in the alpine on all aspects. Avalanche control had varied results from no results to several size 3 wind slabs stepping down to deep weakness on all aspects in the alpine.

No new naturals observed today Hilda area.

Make your field trip observations count! Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Consistent strong SW winds continue to form wind slabs treeline and above. 

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created reactive slabs.
  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Use caution around thin to thick areas where buried weak layers could be triggered.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

  • Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3