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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2014–Jan 8th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Jasper.

Avalanche control work is planned along Highway 93 on Thursday, January 9th from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Travelers on Highway 93 north can expect delays of one to two hours at a time between Parker Ridge and just north of Saskatchewan Crossing.

Weather Forecast

A few flurries and light to moderate SW winds should do little to change the current avalanche hazard in the next 24 hours.. More snow and stronger winds are forecast for the end of the week and will  result in an increase in the hazard ratings.

Snowpack Summary

Last weekends storm snow overlies existing wind slabs which in many places has a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist. Our field team experienced extensive whumphing whilst out ski touring today.

Avalanche Summary

The natural cycle of avalanches has tapered off now but the lingering basal instability is still very much a factor as evidenced by the numerous avalanches triggered by Marmot ski patrol in their explosive control runs recently.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Storm snow and strong winds have overloaded the weak basal layers in several places and caused numerous large natural avalanches. Cornice fall, smaller slides, and skiers in shallow areas all have the ability to trigger deeper instabilities.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Avoid steep, open slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent storm snow and strong winds in the alpine have formed new windslabs at upper elevations which have the potential to step down and trigger large slides on the basal weakness.
Avoid ice climbs that are in terrain traps below large start zones.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

There is lots of new snow plastered to steep rock and ice terrain. With the expected warming trend (and solar effect) this week, expect this terrain to shed this snow.
Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2