Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 8 – 9, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Ski quality is good especially at sheltered locations, but remember that early season variability suggests the need for careful evaluation of large terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Variable and winds created this slab condition on lee aspects particularly at ridge tops.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    A persistent facetted weakness can be found around a mid-pack crust.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This layer seems to be developing in relatively shallow snowpack areas do to a classic Rockies temperature gradient process. 

Weather Forecast

Cooler temps are forecast for the weekend with a chance of light flurries. A significant warming trend should start to set in early next week.

Snowpack Summary

Light and variable winds have had little influence on recent storm snow. The skiing is good but snow depths on lee features is now well above minimum thresholds values and several large slides have been observed in the past week. These avalanches have occurred on serious terrain but serve as a reminder to consider consequences before jumping in.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches were observed today. Explosive work along Parker slabs with produced one size 2.5 slab avalanche from a wind loaded location on rock slab on Thursday. 

Confidence

Regions covered