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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 22nd, 2020–Jan 23rd, 2020
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: Jasper.

Significant recent wind effect and cornice growth has been observed. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully as large avalanches could occur in isolated areas.

Weather Forecast

Thursday will be flurries and 8 cm of snow, high -4 °C, Winds southwest 20 km/h gusting to 45 km/h, and freezing level 1700 metres. Friday will be flurries and 7 cm of snow, Low -5 °C, High -3 °C, winds southwest 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h, and freezing level 1800 metres. 

For more info: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

The soft surface snow has become more cohesive and is bonding to the previous surfaces as it settles with mild temperatures. The upper snowpack remains mainly facetted. This is pronounced in shallow areas where there is less than 60cm height of snow. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Wednesday's helicopter flight observed only two recent large cornice failures that initiated avalanches in the weak basal facets and one windslab avalanche. Tuesday's Icefields and Maligne patrols noted no new natural activity. Monday's explosive work South of the Icefields produced soft slabs to size 1.5 on low elevation targets.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds continue to move the snow around particularly  at ridgetop. There was allot of previous wind effects as well.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The likely trigger spot would be from a shallow location. This is a complex problem particularly with our spatial variability across the landscape. Large triggers, such as cornice failures, is enough to trigger this deep instability.

  • Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3