Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 25th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jasper Snow Safety,
Parks Canada
The snowpack is highly variable. The basal weakness is still giving sudden results and the bridging of the mid pack remains questionable.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tonight and Sunday will see trace amounts of snow light SW winds and steady cooling.
Monday/Tuesday: Temps will continue to drop to -11 and SW winds.
For more detailed analysis: Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is highly variable across the forecast area. The surface snow is becoming more cohesive and is bonding well. The upper snowpack remains mainly facetted, particularly in shallow areas where there is less than 60cm of snow. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar.
Avalanche Summary
A road patrol of Maligne lake road showed no new signs of avalanche activity. Wednesday's helicopter flight observed only two recent large cornice failures that initiated avalanches in the weak basal facets and one windslab avalanche.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Continued mod SW winds have created new wind slabs,
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is a complex problem. The spacial variability and potential consequences of triggering a large avalanche on this layer makes it extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack. Consider this before entering bigger features.
- Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 26th, 2020 4:00PM
