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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 23rd, 2020–Dec 24th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper.

Sensitive wind slab continues to develop tree line and above all aspects. Dry loose problem will persist as well with continued wind input. Be wary of overhead exposure and conservative with terrain selection!

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud Thursday and Friday.  Isolated flurries are possible on Saturday.

Ridgetop winds will remain in the light to moderate range from the west and southwest.

No significant precipitation is forecast this week..

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40cm settled storm snow from last week is being pushed around by previous northerly winds and present SW winds TL and above. The new snow sits upon a facet layer with isolated surface hoar sheltered areas TL and below. The midpack is generally supportive with a weaker base consisting of facets and depth hoar. Avg depth is 65-160cm.

Avalanche Summary

No Na activity noted on patrol south.  Field team reporting whumphing and shooting cracks 2300m on southerly aspect - suspect sensitive wind slab up to 60cm deep continuing to develop on specific terrain features all aspects at treeline and above.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.