Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 4 – 5, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

We have a highly variable snowpack.  Good avalanche hazard evaluation skills are needed to travel on this landscape.   

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs can be found above tree line in exposed terrain. These slabs have been unreactive to skier traffic, however, it is still possible to trigger a slab in steep unsupported terrain.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Loose snow avalanches are likely on steep thin slopes and in gulley features.  Although these avalanches are possible on all aspects, solar triggering is most likely.

Weather Forecast

Expecting temperatures to cool slightly with broken skies predicted on Friday.  A skiff of snow is possible and alpine winds will blow strong from the West.  Only light westerlies are forecast at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is faceting and losing strength especially in shallow areas.  At tree line and above, the mid-pack is generally supportive where snow pack is greater than a meter.  Wind slabs are present in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported today though expect some loose snow sluffing on solar aspects.

Confidence

Regions covered