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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2012–Dec 31st, 2012
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
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
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.

It's a good time to be out in the mountains, enjoy the blue skies and sunshine!

Weather Forecast

High pressure system means sunny days, clear skies, light winds and minimal to zero precipitation for the next few days.  Strong diurnal temperature fluctuations expected in the alpine, with freezing levels creeping up to 1400m for a short period in the afternoon and warmer than seasonal temperatures up high.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack is faceting and losing strength in shallow areas. Midpack is still generally supportive above treeline, with wind slabs in lee features at upper elevations. New surface hoar is being observed on the surface and is quite widespread below treeline.

Avalanche Summary

Near surface faceting and a clear sunny day produced numerous loose snow avalanches to size 1.5 in the Columbia Icefield Area today. These slides originated from steep, shallow and rocky terrain in the alpine on solar aspects. No new slab avalanches observed on road patrol from Jasper to Sask Crossing (very good visibility).

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found above treeline in exposed terrain. These slabs are generally unreactive to skier traffic, although it is still possible to trigger a slab in steep wind loaded features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Numerous natural loose dry avalanches were observed in the Columbia Icefield Area today. These slides originated from steep, rocky terrain in the alpine, as well as steep alpine gully features that are in the sun during the heat of the day.
Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2