Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Benjamin Firth,

Jasper.

Highway 93N will be closed for avalanche control Sunday and possibly Monday. Check Alberta 511 for up to date information

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Snow accumulation: 20 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -6 C. Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.Sunday: Flurries. Accumulation: 5 cm. Alpine temperature: High -6 C. Wind SW moderate.Monday: Isolated flurries Alpine temperature: Low -12 C, High -8 C. Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 50cm new snow by Sun morning with mod/strong SW winds overlies 25-40cm of soft snow over a firm mid-pack with facets and depth hoar lingering near the ground. Mid-December persistent layers, including SH, and SH/FC combos can be found down 25-40cm but, only in isolated and sheltered locations, and almost exclusively in the Icefields region

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed on road patrol along highway 93N, however visibility was limited.Make your field trip observations count! Share them with the local outdoor adventure community on the Mountain Information Network from Avalanche Canada.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent new snow and southwesterly winds are creating new wind slabs reactive to human triggering.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created reactive slabs.
Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Storm Slabs

New snow and warm temperatures could create soft slabs that might be reactive

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2021 4:00PM