Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 2016–Jan 3rd, 2016

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper.

Weather Forecast

The high pressure ridge is starting to breakdown which will finally bring some snow (albeit light) at the beginning of the week. Upper elevation temperatures will fall back to normal for this time of year. Winds continue to be light.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab in open or exposed terrain. Sun crust formed on steep solar aspects due to previous warm alpine temperatures. In most areas the snowpack = Surface facets on a supportive mid-pack that is bridging basal facets.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose snow avalanches up to size 2 observed in the alpine in the Maligne Lake area Saturday on steep solar exposed gulleys. This activity will subside as the inversion dissipates and alpine temperatures fall on Sunday.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.