Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

deryl kelly,

Jasper.

Steady inputs of moderate wind and snow continue to build on the existing windslab hazard.

Travel delays expected Sunday for possible avalanche control on the Icefields Parkway. Check AB511 for updates.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Cloudy with clear periods. Temp: Low -19 °C. Ridge wind SW:10 km/h.

Saturday: Flurries. Accumulation: 10 cm. Temp: High -11 °C. Ridge wind SW:15-30 km/h.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -17 °C, High -12 °C. Ridge wind light to 25 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds and small amounts of new snow over the week have formed sensitive wind slabs in alpine and treeline areas. Mid snowpack has settled with a 2cm crust present (down ~20cm) below the recent storm snow up to 1950m. Another crust near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting adding to deep persistent slab concerns.

Avalanche Summary

Anticipating possible Avalanche control operations on the Icefields Parkway beginning Sunday morning. Delays of up to 1.5 can be expected between 10:00 and 15:00. Check Alberta road conditions for updates.

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Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow available for transport with moderate SW winds continue to incrementally build on this hazard. Use caution in lee features and near ridge crests.

Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Triggering this layer would be a high consequence event - cautious decisions and thorough investigation is necessary. More likely to trigger this layer in transitions from thin snowpack to deeper loaded pockets or terrain features.

Use caution in thin snowpack areas.
Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2021 4:00PM