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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 22nd, 2017–Jan 23rd, 2017
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
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Weather Forecast

No new precipitation on the horizon. Slight cooling and cooling trend towards mid-week, with calm to light Southerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Recent 20-30cm of rapidly settling and wind distributed storm snow overlies facets and basal weakness. New reactive windslabs in lee gully features and especially on NE aspects. Extensive scouring of last weeks snowfall at and above treeline. 

Avalanche Summary

Good results (several size 2 to 2.5 in steep rocky alpine terrain) in recent explosive control work at Marmot ski hill, suggests that the weak basal layer is reactive to large loads. No patrol in the Columbia Icefield area today.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Main concern is for cross loaded gully features and steep rocky convexities on lee aspects where fresh windslabs are present.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak lower snowpack is susceptible to triggering in lee areas that have been recently loaded by SW winds and last week's snow.
Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3