Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 28 – 29, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The avalanche hazard is expected to stay elevated over the next few days with the forecast warm temperatures, strong winds, and the possibility of new snow near the continental divide.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    This layer is concerning when there is a cohesive slab overlying it. Watch for the warnings in the snowpack like shooting cracks.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Watch for this problem to become more significant as the temperatures rise, particularly in steep and rocky terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    The base of the snowpack is inherently weak and untrustworthy. Concern for human and natural triggering of this avalanche problem will increase as the temperatures rise over the next few days.

Confidence

Moderate

Snowpack Summary

Fluctuating freezing levels with intermittent solar radiation has formed surface crusts up to 2000m on most aspects, and higher on steep sun effected ones. Persistent weak layers formed in early January are down 20-30cm in sheltered areas, and have been reactive more recently where wind loaded. Well developed facets and depth hoar make up the bottom of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

A strong southwesterly flow will bring a series of storms and keep the warm airmass here for the next few days. The highest freezing levels are expected from Sunday night to Monday.

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather.
  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Regions covered