Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 16 – 17, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Moderate danger rating means human triggered avalanches are possible. In particular, shallow rocky areas have the potential to catch someone off guard. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    A few CM of new snow may add to the volume of loose dry avalanches, which have been occurring naturally as the snowpack surface facetted with cold temps. Ice climbers should consider consequences of an avalanche if climbing in confined gully features

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3
    It is possible to trigger deep slabs from shallow snowpack areas. If triggered, these will have severe consequences. Terrain management is critical to a safe day.

Weather Forecast

Saturday will be cloudy with isolated flurries, high -15 C, wind northeast 10 km/h. Sunday will be sunny with cloudy periods, nil precipitation, low -24 C, high -18 C, and wind northeast 15 km/h. A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures have faceted the upper snowpack, leaving no slab over a weakness down 40cm (surface hoar, facets, and/or crust).  However, the stronger mid-pack could act as a slab over weak depth hoar, which comprises the lower third of the snowpack. This is pronounced in shallow areas such as Marmot basin back-country and the Maligne range.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity noted on Friday from town to Sunwapta, with poor visibility.

Confidence

Regions covered