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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 22nd, 2021–Dec 23rd, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper.

Avalanche danger will rise on Thursday with the incoming storm. Watch for sensitive wind slab ridge crest and non typical areas lower in terrain.

Expect travel delays on the Icefields Parkway Friday due to avalanche control. Check AB511 for updates.

Weather Forecast

Thursday:

Flurries

Accumulation: 14 cm.

Alpine temperature: High -8 C.

Ridge wind southwest moderate to strong.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Friday

Flurries.

Accumulation: 4 cm.

Alpine temperature: Low -23 C, High -14 C.

Ridge wind west: light gusting to 20 km/h.

Arctic ridge taking over into the weekend with mega frigid temps kicking in...

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of recent snow with moderate to strong SW winds contributing to wind slab development in the alpine and on exposed terrain features at treeline. The mid snowpack has settled well with a deteriorating rain crust present up to 1950m. Cold temperatures and a crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to promote basal faceting.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 natural avalanche observed late yesterday initiating low in the start zone of one of our frequent flyers in the Parker slabs - wind slab up to 60cm deep with impressive propagation (100m) - did not make it far.

Please share your trip report, Ice and/or Riding conditions on Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Information Network!

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.