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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2021–Dec 24th, 2021
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Hwy 93 is closed - avalanche control is planned for Friday December 24 with estimated opening 1800hrs. Call or click 511 for details.

New wind slab and extreme cold temps should be on your mind when you venture out.

Weather Forecast

Precipitation and winds will taper off Thursday night as the Arctic high settles in.

Friday

Isolated flurries

Accumulation:  trace

Alpine temperature: High -19 C.

Ridge wind light.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Saturday

Flurries.

Accumulation: 4 cm.

Alpine temperature: Low -31 C, High -24 C.

Ridge wind light east.

Clearing Sunday with more extreme cold.

Snowpack Summary

20-35cm (25mm) low density storm snow over the past 48 hrs accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds adding to wind slab development in the alpine and on exposed terrain features at treeline. The mid-pack is supportive with a weak rain crust up to 1950m. Cold temperatures and a crust/facet layer near the base continues to promote basal faceting.

Avalanche Summary

Limited visibility icefields area - one size 2 deep persistent 1m deep by 75m wide observed likely triggered by cornice N alpine feature; a few wind slabs noted to size 1.5 northerly aspects alpine; numerous dry loose to size 1.5 all elev

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Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 35cm new snow in the past 48 hrs with moderate to strong winds building wind slabs on lee and cross loaded features. Slab development not isolated to ridgecrest and can be found low in terrain features from the strong to extreme winds Dec 21.

  • Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
  • Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Dry loose cycle will persist for the short term from steep terrain.

  • Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.
  • Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem although stubborn persists in isolated alpine terrain and can initiate with a large trigger or rapid loading. Use extra caution in thin areas were humans are most likely to trigger this high consequence layer.

  • Use caution in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3