Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 2 – 3, 2018Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A weak and variable snowpack (from recent strong winds and cold temps) warrants a cautious approach.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Previous wind effect will be difficult to assess under new snow. Expect hardslabs in the alpine and at treeline. The cold has reduced the tension in these but caution is still warranted, especially as new snow arrives over the next few days.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5
    A slab up to 80cm thick overlies: weak faceted crystals (well developed in shallow areas), surface hoar (at, and just above treeline), and sun crusts ( on steep S and W aspects). Faceting has reduced slab strength below treeline and in shallow areas.

Weather Forecast

An arctic front approaches from the NE and moves south over the forecast region producing snow flurries and cooler temps.Friday: Cloudy with flurries (up to 5 cm). Alpine Low -16 C, High -7 C. Ridge wind light S.Saturday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine Low -18 °C, High -10 °C. Ridge wind light NE.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs and extensive wind effect found in all open areas. Recent warm temps and solar effect have likely created a crust on solar aspects at below treeline.  The upper snowpack is a 50 to 80 cm thick slab that sits on three weak layers in the mid-pack. The entire snowpack is faceted after two weeks of cold, dry weather.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated large Na avalanches were observed on a road patrol Wednesday, one windslab from a cross loaded pocket on a W aspect, and one persistent slab on an E aspect. Otherwise there has been minimal activity since the extensive avalanche cycle on February 8-9. Slopes that did not avalanche during this cycle should still be carefully assessed.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Regions covered