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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 11th, 2020–Dec 12th, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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.

Despite the lack of natural activity, there is a lot of new snow present.  Remember Moderate means human triggering remains possible.

Weather Forecast

Saturday will be clouds and sun, no snow, -9, and light winds. Sunday and Monday will be similar but colder at -17 to -8.

Snowpack Summary

40cm of storm snow from Dec 8th remains soft, continues to stabilize and settle. Wind-slabs only formed at exposed ridgetop features. The new snow overlies a variety of surfaces ranging from firm snow to surface facets and crusts on steep solar aspects. The depth of the Nov 4th rain crust is 60-80cm down and caps basal facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Friday's patrol to climb Melt out on the Parkway observed no new avalanches. Thursday's patrol to Saskatchewan crossing noted no new avalanches. Visibility was excellent both days. Wednesday noted numerous loose dry natural avalanches size 1.5 and explosive control released only a few slab size 2 and one size 3 on a NE alpine feature.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Tuesday's 40cm storm had some moderate Southwest winds which loaded some slopes into windslabs. Caution is warranted despite the lack of natural activity.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Nov. 4 crust is down 60cm to 80cm at tree line. Triggering a wind slab could potentially step down to this deeper layer creating large destructive avalanches. Be cautious of thick to thin snowpack areas being likely trigger locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3