Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Nov 23 – 24, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

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

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    This layer produced several avalanches from size 2 -3. They were limited to lee and cross loaded features but a wide range of aspects in the alpine.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    A variety of old surface layer shears can be found in field tests. No avalanches have been observed on these layers. A test profile on Parker south on Wednesday showed moderate sudden planar results.

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

Regions covered