Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 28 – 29, 2018Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Forecast snow amounts for Sunday are light, and not expected to overload the persistent weakness. Watch for hidden hazards buried under the new fresh snow!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Last week's storm snow, combined with southwesterly winds, has built soft slabs in open features. These slabs failed when small sluffs, out of very steep lee terrain, hit the slope.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This problem is made up of 3 significant interfaces in the top 30-50cm of the snowpack but may be seen deeper in wind loaded locations. These slabs have been active to skier testing and explosive control work producing a few very significant results.

Weather Forecast

Sunday: cool temps with cloud and light flurries and 5cm new snow. Monday: temps will remain constant, around -9. Winds will be light SW with moderate to strong gusts. Up to 25cm has been forecast over the day Monday and into Tuesday! 

Snowpack Summary

The persistent slab is made up of 3 weak interfaces, all in the top 30 to 50cm of the snowpack. Depth and distribution of these weak surface hoar/facet layers varies with the terrain, vegetation, and shelter; although it has consistently been found in sheltered features at TL and above. Windslabs continue to developed in open areas at TL.

Avalanche Summary

Avi control on Parkers Ridge Friday produced 2 large avalanches, size 2 and 2.5 on a N aspect running as the the persistent slab. Slope was hit with 17 explosive charges. The 18th shot, a large crown appeared up to 1.5m thick x 150m long x 300m wide and buried under 2m of debris for 150m. Interesting display of sensitivity and spacial distribution.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Regions covered