Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
New snow, winds, and rising temperatures have increased the avalanche danger. Keep it conservative until colder temperatures have arrived and the snowpack has had time to settle to the new load.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday:
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High -4 C.
Ridge wind southwest: 10-20 km/h.
Freezing level: 1800 metres.
Thursday:
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -12 C, High -5 C.
Light ridge wind.
Freezing level: 1500 metres.
Snowpack Summary
20cm of new snow around the Parker Ridge area in the last 48hrs. Moderate SW winds are building fresh wind slabs in the alpine. Freezing levels are around 2100m. A crust below the top 25-40cm of snow is decomposing and can be found below 2500m. There is a weak facet snow layer at the bottom of the snowpack, this is widespread throughout the park.
Avalanche Summary
Several loose dry avalanches were observed off steep rocky features on Tuesday. One small natural wind slab observed on a steep rocky open tree line slope on Monday.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate SW winds and snow available to transport has resulted in wind slab formation. In sheltered location there could be isolated storm slabs.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created fresh slabs.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
If it is raining at lower elevations watch out for wet loose avalanches below tree line. Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5