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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 11th, 2017–Feb 12th, 2017
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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

Regions: Jasper.

The Icefields Parkway and Maligne Lake Road remain closed until winds ease to allow for helicopter avalanche control of alpine slide paths.  Good time to make some laps at the ski hill.

Weather Forecast

Strong  SW winds to continue on Sunday with light flurries possible.  The wind finally abates on Monday with clearing skies and warming temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of recent snow is building windslab at treeline and above with continued strong SW winds. A reactive storm slab can be found at all elevations and aspects. The upper snow pack has several touchy surface hoar and facet layers which are now buried 40-50cm and 60-80cm. The mid-pack is facetted and weak, with depth hoar at its base

Avalanche Summary

The avalanche cycle is continuing in the alpine with natural avalanches observed to Sz 2.5 on alpine lee. Avalanche control revealed the potential for wide windslab propagation.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds building windslab with recent storm snow.  Avalanche cycle continues on alpine lee slopes.
Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Storm Slabs

30-40cm of storm snow has formed a touchy storm slab.
Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches initiated within the storm snow may step down to deeper layers and in some cases gouging to ground in thin snowpack areas.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3