Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 4 – 5, 2021
View on map
Archived · expired 6 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Up to 60cm of new storm snow distributed through the forecast region.

Look carefully for signs of localized instability and wind effect before committing to big features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Light to moderate W through SW winds will transport snow into immediate lees in the alpine and, eventually exposed treeline features

  • Loose Dry

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

    Size and likelihood dependent terrain. Previous surface faceting could make this problem more reactive.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Soft slabs will continue to develop as the new load settles. The potential exists for avalanches to step down to deeper layers.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Cloudy with clear periods, isolated flurries and a trace of new snow. Temp: -15 C. Ridge wind W: 15 km/h.

Thursday: Cloudy with flurries. Accumulation: 4 cm. Temp: High -9 C. Ridge wind west: 15-35 km/h.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Temp: Low -23 C, High -10 C. Ridge wind northwest: 15 km/h gusting to 50 km/h

Snowpack Summary

40-60cm of new storm snow appears to be bonding well to the old surface, on a mixed form/facet interface giving hard, sudden planar results in field tests at the Icefields. Soft-slab will continue to develop on all aspects and elevations as the snow settles. Mid-pack remains strong underfoot except in areas where the snowpack is less than 100cm.

Avalanche Summary

A determined avalanche control team worked hard Tuesday to produced a few good results, up to size 2.5 on a very stubborn storm interface in low elevation targets with several large triggers. A natural avalanche cycle continues with observed loose dry and soft slabs to sz 1.5 on many aspects.

Share your trip info at Mountain Information Network .

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Regions covered