Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Relentless winds continue to build on the existing wind slabs and cornices in the Alpine. Varied surface crusts making riding challenging below 1700m.
Good turn found between 1740m and 1705m, Enjoy!
Weather Forecast
Forecasts show an intense pulse of precipitation (~10mm) accompanied with strong south westerly winds overnight Thursday. Broken skies through the day Friday, west winds continue. Alpine temperatures high, -10.
See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Relentless SW winds continue building variable strength windslab and pronounced cornice development on Northerly aspects and cross loaded features treeline and above. Supportive mid-pack bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar. Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.
Avalanche Summary
Field team in Churchill Slide Paths observed only previous evidence of natural avalanche activity. Visibility was poor over then day; no new avalanche observations. Profile at 2250m, HS: 135cm. No failures found in field tests.
Confidence
Wind effect is extremely variable
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are prevalent through the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3