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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 28th, 2021–Dec 29th, 2021
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
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

Regions: Jasper.

Cold temperatures continue to be the primary hazard for backcountry travelers. Be aware that even a small injury or equipment issue may have serious consequences.

Watch out for wind slab in non typical locations.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation.

Alpine temp: high -21 C.

Wind W: 15 km/h.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Trace precipitation.

Alpine temp: high -21 C.

Wind NW: 10 km/h

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud.

Alpine high -21

Wind West 10km/h

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind direction continues to build wind slab on exposed terrain features at treeline & above. Expect dry loose avalanches in steep, wind sheltered terrain. The mid-pack is supportive with an exception of a weakening crust interface down 30-40 cm (upto 1950m). Cold temperatures promoting top down facetting through-out the region

Avalanche Summary

Size one dry loose avalanches observed in steep unsupported terrain near weeping wall dec 27.

A size 2 natural wind slab avalanche was noted on the east aspect of Mt. Hilda at approx. 2400m. Estimated date dec 25.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Periods of northerly wind over the past week have caused reverse loading in many areas.

  • Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
  • Variable winds have created pockets of wind slab on all aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Extra vigilance is warranted in steep terrain, ice climbs, and gully terrain traps where small avalanches can build into larger volumes.

  • Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.
  • Be careful of loose dry sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem, although increasingly stubborn, persists in isolated alpine terrain and may initiate with a large trigger such as a cornice failure or wind slab avalanche.

  • Use caution in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3