Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2017–Dec 31st, 2017

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Up to 10cm of storm snow has fallen over the last two blustery days and an alpine temperature inversion is expected for Sunday heralding the first signs of relief from the Christmas polar spell. Looks good for the New Year!

Weather Forecast

An Alpine Temperature inversion has begun to build Saturday as the Jet Stream brings warm air to over-ride the arctic air now established over the area. A spike in the West winds into Monday will help clear out the cold air for good with warm temperatures forecast for next week. Skies will remain clear and winds generally light for the period.

Snowpack Summary

8cm of storm snow now buries isolated pockets of wind slab in ALP areas sitting on an old snow interface of facets, sun crust, wind effect, or surface hoar. 3 crusts extend into the lower limits of the alpine and are sitting dormant in the snowpack, the upper crust is providing mid-pack strength over a weaker, rotted crust and facet crystals

Avalanche Summary

Areas south of Highway 11Â in BNP have seen some recent avalanche activity: most notably loose dry avalanches running far in steep terrain as a result of near surface faceting, but a few skier triggered windslabs have been reported as well. These areas have seen considerably more snow over the Dec 18 interface than the JNP forecast area.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of hardslab found in the typical areas of the Alpine like ridge tops, exposed features, or ledges above ice climbs. These may have been buried by up to 10 cm and will be a bit harder to detect.

Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow. Avoid wind loaded terrain.Use caution above ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1