Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 16 – 17, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Recent warm days and cool nights have strengthened the mid and upper snowpack, but changes to the deep persistent weakness will be much slower. A conservative approach is still warranted.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Recently formed wind slabs appear to bonding well to the snowpack below.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    This problem will only exist in solar facing terrain from early afternoon until sundown.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–4
    Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load. Build trust slowly in the snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure which has brought inverted temperatures and fine weather is breaking down. Colder moist air is approaching, we will see the temperatures drop by Thursday.Wed: Mix of sun and cloud. No precip. Alpine High -3 C, light ridge wind, freezing level 1400m.A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps and solar input moistening steep south facing slopes. 5-10mm surface hoar is present in sheltered areas. Wind effect is visible in exposed areas from previous moderate-strong SW winds. A generally strong mid snowpack overlies deep persistent weakness. Use caution in shallow areas where these deep weakness might be more reactive.

Avalanche Summary

A team at the Icefields reported numerous small point release avalanches Monday from solar facing slopes near treeline. Be a part of the Avalanche Forecasting team by reporting your field trip this weekend on Avalanche Canada's Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Regions covered