Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 11 – 12, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snowfall and strong winds are a sure recipe for a reactive Wind Slab problem. Variable snowfall amounts are forecast throughout the bulletin region overnight ; Alpine hazard may remain Moderate in the drier Marmot & Maligne regions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh wind slabs will continue to grow throughout Monday night, lee to Strong SW winds. Expect these to be larger and more prevalent in the icefields, which is catching the brunt of the storm.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Skiier triggered Loose Dry avalanches increase in sensitivity Monday (steep sheltered areas), with new snowfall overlying loose facets.

Weather Forecast

A cold front tonight provides a burst of snowfall, followed by a cooling, clearing trend.Monday night: Snowfall, 5cm forecast (but upto 12cm in the Icefields area).  Strong  SW winds slowly easing. Treeline Low -11Tuesday: A few clouds (Broken cloud in the South).  Winds ease to Light NW.  Treeline High -8. Weds: Clear, cool, light winds.

Snowpack Summary

New snow accumulating over a variety of old surfaces (loose facets in sheltered terrain, wind affected in exposed areas, sun crust to treeline to solar aspects) . The mid pack is relatively strong for the region, supportive to skis in most areas. Isolated surface hoar is still reactive at/below tree line, South of the Icefields.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed Monday. On Sunday, A flight along the 93N observed a Size 2 cornice fall, not triggering any slab on the slopes below; and several small Loose Dry avalanches on steep, South facing alpine slopes. One large Whumph on flat treeline terrain South of the Icefields, on January 18 surface hoar, down 40cm.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered