Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada TJ, Avalanche Canada

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Be vigilant regarding the persistent weak layer down 30cm. If the upper snow pack starts to become more cohesive due to warmer temperatures or winds, it could wake up and start producing avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of new snow across the region in the past two days. Moderate south west winds creating wind slabs in the alpine. Tree line and below there is a buried layer down 30-35cm that consists of surface hoar, facets, and sun crust depending on aspect and location. Snow depth ranges from 45-110cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: High -6 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 10-25 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Sunday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -7 °C.

Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Monday

Cloudy with sunny periods.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -5 °C.

Light ridge wind.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New wind slabs are forming with the recent snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Marmot Basin Ski area reports surface hoar extending into some alpine features. Solar crust on south aspects is also of concern. Dig and assess this layer before committing to terrain. Lots of whumpfing and shooting cracks have been observed on this layer across Jasper but no avalanches have been observed yet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2022 4:00PM