Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 26 – 27, 2018Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Expect a lot of variability in snow depth in exposed terrain from this week's gusty winds.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Last week's storm snow with southwesterly winds will continue to build layers of windslab in lee features at ridge crests and open areas at TL and above.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    This problem is made up of 3 significant interfaces in the top 30-50cm of the snowpack. All interfaces seem to be slowly healing but have shown recent sensitivity to light loads in isolated locations.

Weather Forecast

Cool (not cold) arctic air will keep precip to only light and scattered flurries through most of the weekend. Light to moderate SW winds gusting to moderate will accompany the cooler air.

Snowpack Summary

Windslab building above 3 weak interfaces in the top 30 to 50cm of the snowpack. Depth of surface hoar/facet layers varies with the terrain and vegetation shelter, but is most consistently found in sheltered features at TL and above.

Avalanche Summary

Natural windslab avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed Tuesday in windswept alpine moraine features. Appears to be running on the persistent slab interface down 30 to 50cm.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Regions covered