Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 8 – 9, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Strong westerly winds in the alpine are expected over the next 24 hours.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs can be found above tree line in exposed terrain. These slabs have been unreactive to skier traffic; however, it remains possible to trigger one in steep unsupported terrain. Assess your transitions for changing conditions.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Loose snow avalanches are possible in steep thin snowpack slopes and gully features as facetting process dominates. Solar triggering is most likely initiator but not solely responsible. They may knock you off a climb or bury you in a terrain trap.

Weather Forecast

Over the next 24 hours snow flurries will bring modest amounts of fresh snow as a north westerly frontal system moves over the area. At treeline and above temperatures will remain in the -15 range with strong gusting winds. More snow is forecast overnight on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures and the lack of snow over the past  month has eroded the core strength of the snowpack. Watch for windslab conditions in the alpine and the most recent feature of the snowpack which is a surface hoar crystal layer. This is starting to be buried and once covered by 30cm of snow will present an avalanche problem.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were seen in the Maligne and Bald Hills area today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered