Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 19 – 20, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Don't be lured into committing to a line by the new snow. Investigate the snowpack before skiing. Ice climbers watch for loose dry avalanches off steep rocky terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and strong winds have created new wind slabs. Avoid wind loaded large unsupported terrain.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Ice climbers watch out for loose dry avalanches off steep rocky terrain. Even small avalanches in the wrong spot can have serious consequences.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for along time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed along the Icefields Parkway on a road patrol on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

15-20 cm of snow fell on Wednesday at the Parker Ridge Area. The 7mm Surface Hoar that formed last week is likely flattened by winds but assume it could be preserved under new snow in sheltered locations. The mid and lower snow pack has multiple layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain, melt freeze crusts and facets.

Weather Summary

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: High -7 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -7 °C, High -6 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h.

Freezing level: 1600 metres.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.

Regions covered