Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.
We have switched Jasper's main avalanche problem from a persistent slab to a deep persistent slab. The persistent slab has not gone away but any avalanche triggered in the upper snow pack will likely step down to weak facet crystals on or near the ground.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
In the past couple of days in the Parker Ridge/Mt. Saskatchewan area there have been a couple of natural avalanches to size 2 that are stepping down to ground in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
Variable conditions in the alpine from hard wind pressed surfaces to weak faceted snow. A persistent weak layer is down 25-30cm specific to tree line and below in sheltered areas. The snowpack ranges from 40-100cm. Snowpack is unsupportive tree line and below.
Weather Summary
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High -9 °C.
Ridge wind west: 15 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -27 °C, High -12 °C.
Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Sunday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -34 °C, High -25 °C.
Ridge wind east: 10 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The lower snow pack is becoming weak and faceted due to the cold temperatures. Any weak layers in the upper snowpack will likely step down to this "deep" layer on or near the ground. Below tree line hazard is rated low but caution is advised in isolated steep open slopes with signs of the upper snow pack becoming a stiffer slab due to wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5