Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 17 – 18, 2020Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Stale weather to remain through Monday. Forecasts then show a slow increase in temperatures and, sunny skies.

The late winter sun is starting to penetrate the snowpack. Expect some localized instability on steep, solar aspects in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind slabs are very prevalent with previous loading in lee features. Sensitivity will vary with local loading and wind patterns.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

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

Weather Forecast

Zonal flow from west to east cycling through the region. A shallow trough holding the last of the moisture moving through, before flow shifts from the Northwest with the approaching ridge on the pacific. Clearing and slight warming by Tuesday/Wednesday.

Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Variable strength windslab on the surface. Pronounced cornice development on northerly aspects and cross loaded features treeline and above. A supportive mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar in some locations.

Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.

Avalanche Summary

Previous public MIN (Mountain Information Network) report of natural size 2, southwest aspect at treeline in the Maligne Valley (thanks @Kaylaolde!!). Field team in Whistler/Portal Creek observed no recent natural avalanche activity; ski-pen 10-15cm.

This area is now open after a seasonal delayed access restriction to protect the Woodland Caribou.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered