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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 18th, 2019–Jan 19th, 2019
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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

Regions: Jasper.

Incoming snow and strong SW winds will increase the avalanche danger at all elevations

Weather Forecast

Incoming snow with strong SW winds are forecasted for the next 24hrs. Snowfall amounts continue to be down graded now at 10-15cm overnight and Saturday afternoon. Strong to extreme SW winds will redistribute the snow onto lee features. Temps at treeline will be -6C but cooling will occur as the storm passes and the winds decrease into the evening.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks surface hoar and suncrust will be buried under the incoming new snow. These layers will be the new focus of concern. The additional load may well awaken the deeply buried basal instabilities and wind slab activity can be expected at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The new snow will increase the reactivity of this deeply buried problem.  An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Wind Slabs

The incoming new snow and strong SW winds will produce windslabs at all elevations. Beneath the slab is a widespread surface hoar layer on most aspect from treeline to the valley bottom. Also near treeline on southerly slopes is a buried sun crust.
If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5