Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Weather Forecast
Stormy weather is expected into the weekend as a series of coastal lows bring moisture over the region. The weather models don't agree but 35cm of snowfall could fall between Wednesday and Friday evening with gusting strong westerly winds. A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of new snow has been blown into fresh wind slabs by moderate SW winds. The December 11th persistent weak layer (facets, crusts and isolated surface hoar) has been buried by up to 80cm of fallen snow - this has been loaded into lee terrain by moderate to strong SW wind. The deep persistent weakness still lingers near the ground.
Avalanche Summary
A lack of visibility is hiding any new avalanches but on Tuesday a field team at Parkers Ridge observed many signs of instability (shooting cracks and whumphs) and spooky sudden result in snow pits. Last week, a natural avalanche cycle and subsequent avalanche control work resulted in many slab avalanches up to size 3.5 in the Parkers ridge area.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5