Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 24 – 25, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Heads up in the afternoon on solar aspects- loose wet avalanches are becoming more frequent.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs are bonding well, however caution is still warranted in immediate lees and cross loaded terrain above treeline.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Persistent weak layers of decomposed surface hoar, facets, and depth hoar can be found in many locations. Although these layers have been stubborn to trigger underfoot but, will trigger with a heavy load, like cornice failure.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Loose wet avalanches, especially in the later afternoon, are possible on south and westerly aspects.

Weather Forecast

Blue skis and cool temps. Overnight lows near or below -15C. Light to moderate Southwest winds.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 20cms of localized HST in sheltered locations at TL over a supportive mid-pack. This is sitting on a weak basil facet layer. BTL, the HS is more inconsistent in depth and support. Solar aspects have a thin sun crust down 20cms and producing moderate to hard resistant compression test results. 

Avalanche Summary

Activity observed in field trips today seem to be the result of cornice failures and wind loading, triggering the basil weakness in the snowpack. Two new avalanches observed above the Maligne road appear to be solar triggered. 

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Regions covered