Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 15 – 16, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Get it while its good folks! Conditions are ripe for getting Rad! Below 1900ms the snowpack is less supportive so travel gingerly through this terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    A 10 to 15cm windslab can be found in lee areas at treeline and into the alpine. Several natural avalanches started with this slab and then stepped down to full depth releases in the alpine following last weeks storm.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–3
    The Dec3 layer down 60cm has not been associated with any observed natural activity nor has it proven to be reactive to skier traffic. Forecasters will continue to monitor the break-down of this interface cautiously.

Weather Forecast

Overnight temperature threatening to drop to an appalling -20 as a cold front moves into the region. Little recovery expected over the day with forecasted highs around -15. A series of unremarkable systems expected to bring only very light flurries. NW-ly ridge top winds should be in the low moderate range bringing a sting to sensitive ginger skin.

Snowpack Summary

The snow pack is consistently supportive with little variation in mid-pack density above 2000ms. Excellent quality touring and skiing at all elevations. Wind slab can be found in lee areas at and above treeline. Dec 3rd interface is down about 60cm but it is not easily triggered. Below 1900ms the HS is more typical of the Rockies; weak and shallow.

Avalanche Summary

No new significant avalanche activity has been observed albeit minor point releases reported on solar aspects from steep rocky terrain.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Regions covered