Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Weather Forecast
Snowfall amounts are tapering off, but a series of scattered flurries is expected to bring an additional 15cm by Saturday. Temperatures remaining cool, with daytime highs near -5C. Freezing level to remain below 1500m. Winds light and variable through to the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
70 cm of snow in the past week is settling rapidly and appears to be bonding well. The main concern is where this snow sits on the Dec3 surface hoar, most likely between 1700-2000m on sheltered North aspects. A touchy 15cm windslab can be found in lee areas at treeline. The midpack is supportive above 1700m and there is a new raincrust below 1200m. Â
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural slab avalanches in the alpine up to size 3 were observed in the Columbia Icefield area as well as the lands adjacent to Marmot Basin. Several of these slides started as a storm slab, which stepped down to trigger basal weaknesses and caused large full depth avalanches. Loose dry point release were noted out of steep rocky terrain.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3