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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 3rd, 2024–Dec 4th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Ice climbers watch for small wet avalanches due to the warm temperatures. Even small avalanches can be a problem in or above terrain traps.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Old windslab avalanches were observed on Tuesday at ridge top on a flight from Tangle Ridge to Jasper. A field team in the Bald Hills ski cut released a size 1 windslab avalanche at ridgetop.

Snowpack Summary

There is likely wet surface snow to around 2200m due to above freezing temperatures. The Nov 8 crust and facets are down 20-30 cm at tree-line and below. We have also found surface hoar (6mm) down 60cm at 2500m also burried on Nov 8th. The October crust is widespread and is found near the base of the snow pack and has facets above and below. Snow depth is roughly 70 cm at treeline and tapers rapidly below.

Weather Summary

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: High 0 °C.

Ridge wind west: 10-20 km/h.

Freezing level: 2200 metres.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: Low -6 °C, High -1 °C.

Ridge wind west: 15 km/h.

Freezing level: 1900 metres.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
  • Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Watchout for warm temperatures over the next few days especially with the shallow snowpack. Small wet avalanches can be a problem if you are exposed ice climbing or above a terrain trap.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Expect windslabs at exposed ridgetop features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is most reactive where it has been loaded by wind transported snow. This problem includes the Oct 18 crust and the Nov 8th crust and surface hoar. There’s uncertainty around its distribution and triggerability.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5