Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 24 – 25, 2018Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

A firm slab, sitting over several persistent weak layers, is found throughout the forecast region and remains a high consequence concern for human triggering. Continue to travel conservatively especially in the low alpine and around treeline areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Expect hardslabs in the alpine and a few softer slabs at treeline. The cold has kept these in check and helped these settle well over the last few days but some caution is still warranted with the expected warming and increased wind this weekend.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5
    A stiff slab 50 to 80cm thick, sits over: Sun Crusts (south and west aspects), Surface Hoar (at, and just above treeline) and weak Faceted Crystals (very developed in shallow snowpack features) This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.

Weather Forecast

A series of minor disturbances are tracking N- S against the west side of the Rockies through midweek. One of these systems is passing Friday, the next Saturday night. Small amounts of precip, temps rising to -10 at treeline Saturday and Sunday and increased westerly winds are likely. Cooling again on Monday before another system slides past. 

Snowpack Summary

Previous Strong winds from W and N directions have left wind slabs and wind effect in open areas. The upper snowpack has settled to form a cohesive stiff slab that is sitting on three persistent weak layers mid-pack (down 50 to 80cm) which can be found throughout the forecast region, and have produced many large avalanches that have run full path.

Avalanche Summary

Minimal evidence of recent activity exists: mainly small windslabs in the S and W facing alpine. Widespread wind effect is evident. An extensive cycle was seen as the persistent slab became overloaded with successive storms. Avalanches to sz 3.5 were observed from most aspects and most elevations with the majority of the action seen around 21-2500m

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered