Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 6 – 7, 2018Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

The likelyhood of natural triggering has decreased with cool temps.  Preserved weaknesses in the mid snowpack still warrant a cautious approach in some areas, particularly at treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    10-15cm of new snow that arrived Saturday and Sunday is being redistributed by light to moderate NW winds.  This new snow may also be hiding older stiffer windslabs from last weeks heavy snow and strong SW winds.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3.5
    Field teams observed whumpfing and moderate test results Sunday and Monday in sheltered zones around treeline on these layers. Shallow areas seem to be the areas to watch in the alpine.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The new snow that fell Saturday and Sunday has triggered a few slabs as it has sluffed off of rock faces or steep terrain. Consider the potential for this if you enter steep or confined terrain such as ice climbs.

Weather Forecast

Arctic air will dominate with few clouds, light winds, highs near -10 and lows near -20C. Warm, wet, pacific air is forecast to over-ride the arctic air Wednesday morning. This system may bring up to 25mm of precip with moderate winds and temperatures nearing -5C.

Snowpack Summary

15 cm of new snow arrived last weekend with light N winds. This sits over previous wind slabs formed by 40cm of snow pushed around mainly by strong SW winds. Mid-pack persistent weak layers, mainly preserved Jan 7 surface hoar down 40 to 60cm and the rotten Dec 15 facets sitting just below are still a concern but remain stubborn to triggering.

Avalanche Summary

A good look around today with clear skies. Saw two naturals in the Maligne area in the morning. A few notable avalanches seen through the tenure most of which were at least 48 hrs old; generally windslabs in the alpine to sz 2.5 and a few persistent slabs in the low alpine.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Regions covered