Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 22 – 23, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Excellent skiing reported around Hilda Ridge today.  The avalanche hazard will increase on Tuesday as a storm will hit with heavy snow and strong West winds.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Wind loading producing wind slabs on lee and cross loaded features predominately below alpine ridge lines.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This layer can be found above 1900m and can be triggered from shallow areas in the snowpack.  A strong rain crust exists below tree line up to 1900m.

Weather Forecast

Continued snow flurries with moderate W winds on Monday.  Snow begins on Tuesday afternoon intensifying through the night and then tapering by Wednesday afternoon with up to 20 cm expected.  Strong westerly winds will accompany this storm.  Seasonal temperatures that will fall after the storm has past.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab forming on lee alpine ridge lines.  Large surface hoar crystals formed last week are being buried by new snow.  This layer is more likely found on sheltered slopes at tree line reaching into the alpine.  The interface between the strong mid-pack and weaker basal facets is most susceptible to human triggering from shallow rocky areas.

Avalanche Summary

Some minor loose snow sluffing on steep terrain.  No slab avalanches reported today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered