Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 24th, 2011–Dec 25th, 2011

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Freezing level to hover around 1500m until Sunday afternoon with possible 10-15cm and strong winds as the front passes followed by colder temperatures. Winds were clocked up to 110km/hr at the Icefields now gusting 50-60km/hr. Can you say sustrugi.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

110km/hr winds have wind-hammered the alpine at the icefields. Boilerplate windslabs, sustrugi, and loaded lee slopes will be encountered. Wind direction is variable but mainly slabs will be present on easterly aspects. Avoid slabby feeling slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Basal facet collapses are still possible and should remain a real concern as consequences would be huge if triggered. Shallow snowpack areas and rocky outcrops are trigger locations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3