Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 24th, 2016–Dec 25th, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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.

Scoured alpine terrain may push eager skiers to loaded gullies and lee terrain where the possibility of triggering windslabs exists. The Jasper Visitor Safety team wishes everybody a safe and happy holiday season!

Weather Forecast

The next light snowfall is expected to begin on Boxing Day, with light scattered flurries to wrap up 2016. The light Northerly flow will change to moderate Southwest winds with the next pulse of precipitation. Temperatures expected to rise from -20 to -12 with the new snow bringing in the new year.

Snowpack Summary

10 cm of fresh snow may be found in sheltered areas. Previous strong winds have built slabs in lee features, cross loaded gullies and added to the size of cornices. Weak layers include; buried surface hoar (Dec 11) in sheltered NE aspects around treeline (2100-2300m) and the Nov 12 crust approximately 30cm from the ground.

Avalanche Summary

No new reports or observations in the past 24 hours on road patrols in the Maligne Valley and Columbia Icefield Area.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds have created a mosaic of snow depths across the landscape. These slabs will vary greatly in their triggering sensitivity requiring each slope to be evaluated carefully.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The depth of this crust is now highly variable, and may be as deep as 1m in lee areas that have received significant loading due to strong SW winds. Careful evaluation of this interface is essential.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3