Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 29 – 30, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

The avalanche cycle has tapered off but alpine conditions have not changed significantly.  A melt freeze crust has stabilized conditions below treeline. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Forecasters have had easy test results on this layer today.  The tricky thing about this layer is that it is not widespread but can be found in sheltered areas.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    This weakness is sitting at or close to the ground. Numerous large avalanche failing on this layer during Wednesday's avalanche control.

Weather Forecast

Mild and dry conditions will continue on Friday.  Around 10 cm of snow will start falling on Friday night with light west winds through Saturday.  Cold air moves into the area on Saturday night bringing clear crisp temperatures on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

There is a melt freeze crust at treeline to valley bottom.  The crust weakens into treeline.  In the alpine, heavier snow sits over a persistent weak layer dating to Dec 20th.

Avalanche Summary

The avalanche activity has slowed with the cooler temperatures.  Several slab avalanches to size 2.5 from the past 24 hrs  were observed on easterly aspects around 2400 m.  Previous loose wet avalanches were numerous on lower elevation westerly aspects and pin wheeling was observed up to 2300 m.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered