Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 25 – 26, 2020Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

The snowpack is highly variable so evaluate the snow and carefully manage your exposure in the terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Previous mod to strong SW winds have created new wind slabs, these are now buried by 10 cm of new snow in the Icefields area.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    This is a complex problem. The spacial variability and potential consequences of triggering a large avalanche on this layer makes it extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack.  Consider this before entering bigger features.

Weather Forecast

A steady SW flow will bring light winds and light precipitation to the region over the weekend with a pulse of 10 cm possible on Sunday night. Temps will cool slightly but remain above seasonal values  For more detailed analysis: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is highly variable across the forecast area. The surface snow is becoming more cohesive and is bonding well. The upper snowpack remains mainly facetted, particularly in shallow areas where there is less than 60cm of snow. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche patrol today and no new avalanches reported. Wednesday's helicopter flight observed only two recent large cornice failures that initiated avalanches in the weak basal facets and one windslab avalanche.

Confidence

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

Regions covered