Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 11th, 2017–Jan 12th, 2017

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure has rebuilt, clear skies with no snow in the forecast, temps will gradually rise overnight and into Wednesday reaching a high of -12 in the alpine. Light North West winds will shift to moderate from the West on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of new snow has been redistributed by moderate NW winds into slab on lee and cross loaded features. The new windslab overlies a shallow, faceted and weak snowpack. The Nov. crust can still be found about 30 cm up from ground but is faceting into large depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Helicopter control work produced numerous wind slab avalanches to size 2.5 in the alpine, mainly in loaded gulley features. Loose dry activity continues out of steep, rocky terrain and tends to entrain facets on the slopes below.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Various wind directions over the past 72hrs have created windslab on most aspects at treeline and above and rests upon a weak, faceted snowpack. Recent natural activity observed in steep cross loaded gullies.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Cold temps have facetted the snowpack and is causing it to lose cohesion and release loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. The 10-15cm of new snow will add to this problem. This is concerning for ice-climbers and skiers in confined/exposed terrain.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2