Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 22 – 23, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Travel below tree line continues to be frustrating because of the weak unsupported snowpack. Early season hazards exist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The wind slab is highly variable across all slopes from breakable to bullet proof. Watch for continued loading in alpine features above ice climbs and skier terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Avalanche activity continues to be sporadic on this layer. Watch for continued loading in alpine features above ice climbs and skier terrain.

Weather Forecast

Returning to more seasonal temperatures and light snow with little accumulation.

Snowpack Summary

Variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs are continuing to develop in lee terrain features. Wind slab and a mainly facetted snowpack overlies October 27 rain crust which is distributed sporadically through the forecast area. Basal facets and depth hoar to ground.

Avalanche Summary

Today we observed 2 size 3 avalanches on an east facing cross-loaded alpine bowl near Mt. Saskatchewan/Wilson area,  2 size 2.5 on a similar aspect in the Winston Churchill range. All appeared to have been triggered with continued loading and ran on the Oct crust.

Confidence

Regions covered