Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Good riding conditions reported in both the Icefields and Maligne areas. Remain cautious when negotiating and assessing areas with obvious wind effect. Ice climbers should be cautious of sluffing especially in confined gulleys.
Weather Forecast
The Arctic air is being pushed out as a fast moving low from the gulf of Alaska moves inland bringing snow for Tue afternoon. Tue - 9 cm. High -9 °C. Wind SW mod to strong. Wed - Sunny and isolated flurries. Ppt Trace. High -10 °C. Wind W mod to strong.
More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to Strong SW winds transporting available fetch to lee aspects forming new windslab and encouraging loose, dry releases from steep terrain through the region. The Icefields has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern region is weak and shallow; bridging over the basal weakness is less reliable BTL.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed today. Numerous, older loose dry in the alpine, up to size 2 in both the Icefields and Maligne zones observed yesterday. A natural, older cornice release up to sz 2 observed, entraining HST from steep lee features and isolated windslabs with no propagation.
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Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday
Avalanche Problems
Loose Dry
Ice climbers be cautious in areas where loading has stressed the snowpack. Top outs and ledges may be particularity sensitive due to recent snow and transport winds.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain..
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with some reactivity in the immediate lee.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Little recent activity on this layer, more likely to initiate it from large loads such as cornice fall or from shallow snowpack areas.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5