Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Nov 26 – 27, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The storm snow appears to be bonding well and stability is improving, but wind slabs may still be triggered by light loads in specific terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Natural avalanches are being reported involving the top 10-30cm of the snowpack, suggesting that new wind slabs are touchy in wind loaded areas, particularly in the alpine.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Previous wind slabs can be found buried beneath the recent storm snow in exposed terrain. The increased load on these slabs from the recent snowfall may increase their likelihood of triggering.

Weather Forecast

Partly cloudy with isolated light flurries for the next couple of days. Predominantly light SW winds and temps in the -5 to -10 range.  Potential for 5-10cm on Wednesday. 

Snowpack Summary

Between 50 and 70cm of new snow since Nov 19 in the CIA.  This new snow appears to be bonding well and has been subjected to relatively light winds (at TL), mainly SW. Lots of snow available for transport. May be approaching critical load on Nov crusts.

Avalanche Summary

Several Na and Xe  yesterday at Marmot Basin in the 2-2.5 range, NE aspects above 2400m.  Isolated Na activity in the CIA, cross loaded features at TL.  No activity on the Nov crusts, all observed avalanches were in the top 50cm and involved WSL.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Regions covered