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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 22nd, 2021–Dec 23rd, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Avalanche danger will rise on Thursday with the incoming storm. Watch for sensitive wind slab ridge crest and non typical areas lower in terrain.

Expect travel delays on the Icefields Parkway Friday due to avalanche control. Check AB511 for updates.

Weather Forecast

Thursday:

Flurries

Accumulation: 14 cm.

Alpine temperature: High -8 C.

Ridge wind southwest moderate to strong.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Friday

Flurries.

Accumulation: 4 cm.

Alpine temperature: Low -23 C, High -14 C.

Ridge wind west: light gusting to 20 km/h.

Arctic ridge taking over into the weekend with mega frigid temps kicking in...

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of recent snow with moderate to strong SW winds contributing to wind slab development in the alpine and on exposed terrain features at treeline. The mid snowpack has settled well with a deteriorating rain crust present up to 1950m. Cold temperatures and a crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 natural avalanche observed late yesterday initiating low in the start zone of one of our frequent flyers in the Parker slabs - wind slab up to 60cm deep with impressive propagation (100m) - did not make it far.

Please share your trip report, Ice and/or Riding conditions on Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Information Network!

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Sustained SW winds and new snow overnight into Thursday continue to build new wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features.  Slab development not isolated to ridgecrest and can be found low in terrain features from the strong to extreme winds Dec 21.

  • Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
  • Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem is trending toward unreactive but our current snowpack structure means this layer could wake up with a large trigger or rapid loading. Use extra caution in thin areas were humans are most likely to trigger this high consequence layer.

  • Use caution in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3