Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 8th, 2018–Feb 9th, 2018

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Jasper.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=30731&oPark=100244Highway 93N from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan River Crossing and the Maligne Lake road will remain closed for Friday. Check Alberta 511 for updated opening times.

Weather Forecast

Storm to ease overnight on Thursday, clearing Friday morning and sunny with cloudy periods over the day. Light northerly winds and alpine temperatures near -10.

Snowpack Summary

Varied HST amounts building soft storm slabs through the forecast region, up to 45cm in the southern region on Mount Wilson; 10-15cm in the Icefields. This storm slab is sitting on the weak facetted persistent slab and is running far and fast to valley bottom. Reverse loading from north to south on ridge tops and open areas.

Avalanche Summary

Epic avalanche cycle through the forecasted region up to size 3.5. Most active at 2400m to 2600m (TL elevation). Expect the same carnage in the alpine but unable to confirm due to poor visability.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 45cm of HST fell through the forecast area, over-loading the already weak persistent slab and running far and fast.

Avoid all avalanche terrain

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Field teams observed widespread whumpfing and moderate test results at TL during the past week. Shallow areas are the most likely triggering locations in the alpine.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5

Wind Slabs

Windslabs were created over the last week with 40cm of snow and West winds. The incoming snow coupled with moderate West winds may build sensitive new storm / windslabs.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5