Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada Jasper Snow Safety, Parks Canada

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Jasper.

More sensitive soft slab development suspected at treeline.  Opening skies will invite additional solar input.  Expect increasing hazard on steep solar aspects during the day.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A clearing trend is expected tomorrow with continued seasonal temperatures.  Ridgetop winds will decrease to light values from the southwest.  A weak low pressure system is expected on Thursday with some light precipitation.

See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

SW winds have created variable windslab and pronounced cornice development on Northerly aspects and crossloaded features treeline and above. Suspect more sensitive soft slab developing at treeline.  The mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar. Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.

Avalanche Summary

Previous large avalanches observed on Northerly aspects and triggered by large loads (like cornices) and from steep alpine terrain features.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are prevalent through the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.

  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!

  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2020 4:00PM

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