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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 22nd, 2012–Nov 23rd, 2012

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper.

Be aware of early season hazards that are buried by the recent snowfalls.

Weather Forecast

Another frontal system is expected to bring around 20cm of snow accompanied with steady moderate SW winds to the icefields area. Jasper townsite is expected to receive only a few centimeters on Friday night.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack on a south aspect at treeline is 60cm with facets between two crusts and a moist layer at the ground.  Moderate tests showed a weakness in the facets just above the november 6th crust.

Avalanche Summary

Several sz 2 -3 slab avalanches in high alpine on cross loaded gully and terrain features on North through West to Southwest aspects. Numerous loose snow avalanches originating in rock bands on Westerly aspects from 2600 - 2900meters.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.