Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 12 – 13, 2020Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

More sensitive soft slab development suspected at treeline.  Opening skies will invite additional solar input.  Expect increasing hazard on steep solar aspects during the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Wind slabs are prevalent through the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!

Weather Forecast

A clearing trend is expected tomorrow with continued seasonal temperatures.  Ridgetop winds will decrease to light values from the southwest.  A weak low pressure system is expected on Thursday with some light precipitation.

See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

SW winds have created variable windslab and pronounced cornice development on Northerly aspects and crossloaded features treeline and above. Suspect more sensitive soft slab developing at treeline.  The mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar. Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.

Avalanche Summary

Previous large avalanches observed on Northerly aspects and triggered by large loads (like cornices) and from steep alpine terrain features.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Wednesday

Regions covered