Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 27 – 28, 2020Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

A tricky snowpack. Potential for low probability/high consequence avalanches to ground in large steeper alpine terrain. Think about it before committing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Continued mod SW winds have created new wind slabs

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Found in sheltered areas at treeline.  Eg. Nigel Basin.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    This is a complex problem. The spacial variability and potential consequences of triggering a large avalanche on this layer makes it extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack. Consider this before entering bigger features.

Weather Forecast

The next 4 days will bring consistently cloudy conditions with minimal precipitation expected. The winds are expected to increase to 45km out of the SW Tuesday and Wednesday. Freezing levels will remain in the valley bottom. Day time highs -6 Lows -13.

For more detailed analysis: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is highly variable across the forecast area. The snowpack remains mainly facetted, particularly in shallow areas where there is less than 60cm of snow. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar. Today's moderate winds redistributing recent storm snow into lee features in the ALP/TL.

Avalanche Summary

Forecasters skied in Nigel basin today. A few solar induced avalanches up to size 2 observed from the past 48 hours. Otherwise no new avalanches today observed.  Hazard increased in alpine today due to the winds.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Regions covered