Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2020 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Parks Canada Jasper Snow Safety, Parks Canada

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When dealing with a complicated snowpack stick to easily solvable, moderate terrain and build confidence over time. This advice will be even more important when snow arrives on Friday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Unsettled weather continues bringing some light snow and fluctuating freezing levels.  Winds ramp up on Wednesday with the approach of a storm system.

For more detailed analysis: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is highly variable across the forecast region but remains mainly facetted, particularly in shallow areas. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Continued building of new windslabs through the region. Most prominent on N through E aspects due to SW winds but riders should be wary of obvious wind effect and surface clues on all exposed or potentially cross-loaded slopes at treeline and above.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2020 4:00PM