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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 8th, 2020–Feb 9th, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Be cautious and assess each slope. The Icefields zone received 60cm of snow in a very short period on Jan 31. 

Natural avalanches are unlikely but human triggering remains possible. 

Weather Forecast

Sunday will be cloudy with isolated flurries, -10 °C and West winds 15 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Monday will be similar to Sunday. 

See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Up to 60 cm of snow fell Jan 31st to Feb 1st in the forecast region. SW winds are creating windslabs with the new snow. The mid-pack bridging over deeper instabilities is supporting the new load over the basal facets and depth hoar. This new load and bridging has not been field tested thus treat the snowpack with caution.

Avalanche Summary

One size 3 noted on Camp 3 West mountain on the Parkway initiated by cornice failure triggering windslab and entrained significant volume in the lower gully walls. Visibility was good and nothing else noted. Maligne patrol observed numerous size 2 WSL steep alpine terrain. Thursday's patrol noted a couple of size 2.5-3 windslabs.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New and developing wind slabs are present in the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.

  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3