Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 30th, 2021–Dec 1st, 2021
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
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
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

Regions: Jasper.

Heavy snowfall and strong winds will dramatically increase the avalanche hazard overnight. The Icefields Parkway is now closed from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan Crossing.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: 20cm Snow with and alpine low of -4 C. Ridge wind southwest: 30 gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level 1600 m

Wednesday: 15cm snow with and alpine high of -1. Ridge wind west: 20 gusting to 65 km/h. Freezing level 2100m

Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Ridge wind west: gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level 1600m

Snowpack Summary

Incoming storm snow will fall over recently formed wind slabs on all but SW aspects. The mid-pack is around 80cm thick above a thin crust near the ground in some locations. Snowpack is shrinking rapidly at lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Multiple, natural wet loose Avalanches up to Size 2 observed on the Icefields parkway this afternoon. Explosive control on Parker Slabs on Monday produced thin wind slabs not propagating far. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected throughout the incoming storm.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

  • If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The average 1 meter snowpack has a crust near the ground surrounded by weakening large grain facets. This is a layer to watch as our neighbors are experiencing activity on it.

  • Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls
  • Avoid thin rocky or unsupported terrain features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Loose Dry

  • Be careful of loose dry sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2