Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 29 – 30, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The new storm snow will be inviting but temper your desire to jump into the steep and deep until it has had a chance to stabilize.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    30 cm of storm snow has been transported by NW to SW winds.  These slabs are sitting on a weak faceted base and/or SH.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Colder temps may reduce the potential of these slides but triggering is still possible in steep terrain.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will cool into the weekend with flurries producing another 10 cm by Sunday.  Westerly winds will drop and swing northerly as the cool air invades.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm in south, less in the north fell on Thursday with moderate SW winds building touchy storm slab on lee slopes at tree line and above.  Moderate rain below tree line along with above freezing temperatures have created a moist snowpack  made up of the large facet crystals.

Avalanche Summary

A loose snow avalanche cycle to size 2 occurred on Thursday on all aspects and elevations in steep terrain.  Moist snow avalanches below tree line triggered by moderate rain.  Very limited alpine observations due to obscured skies.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Friday

Regions covered