Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 17th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
TJ,
Avalanche Canada
Northerly winds are transporting snow around in the north part of the Jasper region. This combined with the new snow is likely creating wind slabs on non-typical south facing aspects.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry avalanches up to size 2 in very steep rocky alpine terrain were noted over the past few days. Some are scrubbing to ground. They do not appear to be initiating any deeper weakness' in the snowpack.
Snowpack Summary
About 10cm of snow fell on Tuesday. Tree line snowpack depth is an average of 45-75cm. The snowpack is weak and largely unsupportive.
Weather Summary
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -14 °C.
Light ridge wind.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -9 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The winds have switch to the north again. Watch for isolated reverse loaded wind slabs on south facing aspects.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
A handful of loose dry avalanches have occurred recently with one scrubbing to ground. They are currently limited to specific terrain such as very steep alpine rocky terrain yet enough of a concern if a person is standing below it or gets swept away.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 18th, 2024 4:00PM
