Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 24 – 25, 2020Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Lots of changes happening to the snow pack this week. Temperatures took a positive jump, consistent SW winds, sporadic rain and irregular, strong solar effect.

Evaluate the snow, and manage your exposure in the terrain carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Consistent moderate SW winds.

  • 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 make this extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack bridging this weakness. Caution and good travel habits are always advised.

Weather Forecast

A steady SW flow will bring continued mild temps and light precipitation to the region over the day with a modest increase in freezing levels to near treeline. For more detailed analysis: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

The surface snow has become more cohesive and is bonding to the previous surfaces as it settles with mild temperatures. The upper snowpack remains mainly facetted particularly in shallow areas where there is less than 60cm height of snow. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Thursday's field patrol in Icefields had poor visibility, no new natural activity was reported. Wednesday's helicopter flight observed only two recent large cornice failures that initiated avalanches in the weak basal facets and one windslab avalanche.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Regions covered