Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 28 – 29, 2017Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 10 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Wind, snow and warming temperatures may increase the avalanche hazard on Sunday.  Stay tuned!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Big open alpine features, especially with a solar aspect, should be avoided. Recent natural avalanche activity on these slopes is expected to continue.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The weak lower snowpack is susceptible to triggering.

Weather Forecast

Moderate SW winds can be expected at tree line and above building to strong on Sunday.  Temperatures will be mild with 10 cm possible on Sunday (rain showers in valley bottom).  Expecting clearing, winds easing and temperatures cooling beginning of next week.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is unpredictable. Shallow wind slabs have been failing on solar aspects in the alpine.  In sheltered areas, approximately 10-15 cm of settled snow is sitting on a weak and faceted mid-pack with depth hoar to ground.  The November crust  exists sporadically and is hard to find in the southern forecast area.

Avalanche Summary

Large slab avalanches to size 3 have been reported recently on open solar aspects in the alpine.

Confidence

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

Regions covered