Avalanche Forecast
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