Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Nov 24 – 25, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

More new snow brings the 72 hour total to around 40cm in the Parker Ridge area.  Expect drifting on the highway and wind slab formation above treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Numerous natural slab avalanches have been observed in the past 48hrs, mostly in wind loaded features above 2300m. These slides occurred on a range of aspects due to the shifting winds and loading pattern in the past 72 hours.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Previous wind slabs can be found buried beneath the recent storm snow on lee aspects in exposed terrain.

Weather Forecast

Partly cloudy skies with light scattered snowfall for the weekend, possibly clearing towards the afternoon on Sunday.  Temps to stay mild, with predominant winds light westerly. Freezing levels to remain below 1000m.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of new snow brings the total snowfall to 45cm since Nov 20.Two separate wind events (Nov21 M-NW and Nov23 M-SE) suggest wind slab formation on a variety of aspects in the alpine and at exposed areas at treeline.  Lots of snow still available for transport.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural size 1-3 observed in the last 48 hours on a variety of aspects in the alpine, mostly on cross loaded gully features.  Lots of sluffing from steep rocky terrain.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Regions covered