Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 8 – 9, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Avalanche control work is planned along Highway 93 on Thursday, January 9th from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Travelers on Highway 93 north can expect delays of one to two hours at a time between Parker Ridge and just north of Saskatchewan Crossing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Recent storm snow and strong winds in the alpine have formed new windslabs at upper elevations which have the potential to step down and trigger large slides on the basal weakness.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    There is lots of new snow plastered to steep rock and ice terrain. With the expected warming trend (and solar effect) this week, expect this terrain to shed this snow.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Storm snow and strong winds have overloaded the weak basal layers in several places and caused numerous large natural avalanches. Cornice fall, smaller slides, and skiers in shallow areas all have the ability to trigger deeper instabilities.

Weather Forecast

A few flurries and light to moderate SW winds should do little to change the current avalanche hazard in the next 24 hours.. More snow and stronger winds are forecast for the end of the week and will  result in an increase in the hazard ratings.

Snowpack Summary

Last weekends storm snow overlies existing wind slabs which in many places has a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist. Our field team experienced extensive whumphing whilst out ski touring today.

Avalanche Summary

The natural cycle of avalanches has tapered off now but the lingering basal instability is still very much a factor as evidenced by the numerous avalanches triggered by Marmot ski patrol in their explosive control runs recently.

Confidence

Regions covered