Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 15 – 16, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Loose dry avalanches in steep terrain will be a concern for ice climbers into the weekend.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Previous SW winds have created pockets wind slab at treeline and above.  These slabs are sitting above a weak facet layer and may be triggered in steep terrain. 

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Small loose dry avalanches should be expected in steep terrain.  May entrain significant snow in gulley features.

Weather Forecast

Cloudy conditions through the weekend with scattered flurries.  Less than 10cm expected.  SW winds light but moderate along ridge crests. Temperatures falling slightly into Saturday then rebounding into the start of next week.

Snowpack Summary

Pockets of wind slab can be found in open or exposed terrain tree line and above. These pockets are sitting on a weak layer of facets.  The mid-pack remains supportive but has weakened significantly from previous cold temps.  Light snowfall is burying the well developed surface hoar and will become something to watch carefully if blown into slabs.

Avalanche Summary

Reports of small (sz 0.5) loose dry avalanches on steep terrain along the Icefields Parkway today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Regions covered