Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Weather Forecast
Friday will be cloudy, no precipitation, Alpine High -7 C, and ridge wind southwest 15 km/h. Saturday will be sun, Alpine temperature low -3 C high -1 C, wind southwest 10 km/h, and freezing level 1900 metres. Temperatures may be warmer than forecasted on Saturday. A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong winds and allot of snow available for transport from Jan 2-4th 85cm storm continues to build ridge top wind slabs. Last week's snow is settling into a cohesive layer and is overlying; previous widespread wind effect; the Dec. 11th layer in the mid-snowpack; and a weak facet layer on the ground (particularly weak where shallow).
Avalanche Summary
No new naturals observed on Thursday and visibility was good. To the South of Saskatchewan crossing there continues to be consistent reports of large avalanches. Jan 5th helicopter control produced numerous large avalanches with one on Sunset peak destroying 14 hectares of mature timber.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 4
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5