Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Forecasted snowfall amounts have tapered off but moderate wind with variable direction will continue to build wind slabs. Pay attention to changing conditions and be on the lookout for reverse loading caused by North wind Monday and Tuesday.
Weather Forecast
Tonight: Flurries with 8cm accumulation overnight.
Monday: Cloudy with isolated flurries and trace precipitation.
Alpine High -9 C.
Ridge wind NW 10-35 km/hr
Tuesday: Mainly Cloudy with scattered flurries and trace precipitation.
Alpine High -17 C
Northeast wind 10-20 km/h.
Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud.
Alpine high -21.
Wind West 10km/h
Snowpack Summary
10-30 cm of wind slab sits over a buried facet layer near Parkers Ridge. Widespread wind effect & scouring in alpine and at tree line from strong SW wind throughout tenure. The mid pack has two layers of concern. The dec 26 facet layer is buried 20-40cm down with a weak crust facet combo down 40-70cm below 1950m. Snow depth varies from 50- 200cm.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed on the Icefields Parkway or Maligne Lake Rd on Jan 30.
A size 3 natural avalanche occurred on the West aspect of Mt. Wilson at approx. 2300m around Jan 27. We suspect this was a persistent slab with increased sensitivity due to strong solar input.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Overnight snowfall will be accompanied by moderate- strong wind with variable wind direction which will create a fresh wind slabs. Be on the lookout for reverse loading caused by northerly winds Monday - Tuesday.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Persistent slabs sit over different weak layers depending on elevation & aspect. Above 1950m a buried facet layer down 20-40cm is the primary concern. Below 1950m, a faceting crust down 40-70 is presenting a more stubborn version of a similar problem
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3