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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 21st, 2021–Jan 22nd, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Good quality turns can still be found in sheltered areas below tree line that were not hit by Tuesday's wind event. Be wary of overhead hazard on solar aspects.

Weather Forecast

A high pressure system will continue to provide mostly clear skies with temperatures trending to below seasonal. 

Friday: Sunny with cloudy periods.  Precip nil.  Alpine Temps: High -10 C Low -15 C.  Winds NW light.

Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud.  Precip nil. Alpine Temps: High -11 C Low -15 C.  Winds W light.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme southwesterly winds have stripped snow from exposed terrain and fetch areas and resulted in wind slabs and wind affected snow in open terrain below treeline, at treeline and in the alpine. The midpack is supportive. Surface hoar is found down 40cm to 80cm in isolated sheltered locations.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1 to size 2 wind slabs observed Wednesday, mostly from extreme west facing alpine terrain.

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Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Previous strong southwesterly winds have resulted in wind slab formation in open terrain features at all elevations. Be most wary of where slab has built over shallow areas, on unsupported slopes, and on steeper solar aspects.

  • Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.
  • Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Use caution around thin to thick areas. Keep an eye out for surface hoar in isolated sheltered locations below treeline.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3