Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 18 – 19, 2021
View on map
Archived · expired 6 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

The Tonquin Area is officially open for winter travel. Use caution as this area is typically more shallow and therefore a weaker snowpack. Be vigilant for shallow locations being human trigger spots.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Moderate to strong SW winds in the alpine and higher RH values are likely creating wind slabs.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The likelihood of triggering increases with warming temperatures and solar input. Isolated, sheltered features that have not been impacted by winds are susceptible to sluffing and loose dry avalanches. Ice climbers be aware of these features.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Caution in thin snowpack areas where triggering is more likely. This is a low probability but high consequence problem.

Weather Forecast

Thursday will be a mix of sun and cloud, -12 C and light SW winds.  Friday will bring sun and cloud with isolated flurries, -10 C, and light gusting moderate SW winds.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong SW winds and higher humidity continue to create wind slabs in high alpine lee features. The upper snowpack has facetted from the recent cold temperatures and overlies a supportive mid-pack, except in shallow areas where the entire snowpack is weak and facetted.

Avalanche Summary

Wednesday's patrol was cut short due to a rescue. Nothing new was noted or reported.

Confidence

Regions covered