Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 18 – 19, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

The wind is ripping through the forecast region with forecasted speeds exceeding 80 kph. Assess slopes carefully for slab development.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Strong SW winds are creating wind slabs in NW to SE lee aspects. Sensitivity expected to be reactive in the immediate future and might be enough to wake deep, weaker interfaces.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    A few large avalanches were observed during last cycle early in December and we suspect it was on this layer. Triggering the windslab problem has potential to release this lower problem layer.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will be cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, a trace of snow, -7, southwest winds 15-35 km/h. Strong winds area expected Tuesday evening into Wednesday. Thursday will be similar. Friday may bring 20cm of snow we hope.

For more details: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds and high relative humidity firming up the top 30cm creating soft and hard slabs. The snow depth is variable at all elevations. There is a mid-pack crust/facet layer distributed through the region. It has mixed reactivity. A weak basal facet/depth hoar layer exists at the base of the pack.

Avalanche Summary

No field patrol Tuesday. Last few days there have been no new avalanches observed or reported.

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Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable on Wednesday

Regions covered