Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 22 – 23, 2012Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Natural loose snow avalanches were observed on very steep terrain in thin snow pack areas. Ice climbers should evaluate routes and approaches that may have similar conditions above them.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    10 cm of new snow has buried the wind slabs that formed earlier this week from moderate to strong SW winds in the Icefields area.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3
    The strong mid-pack above this weakness is slowly loosing its strength. This issue is more prevalent in shallow snow pack areas.

Weather Forecast

Cold cloudy conditions with light flurries and light to moderate NW winds can be expected as arctic air moves into the forecast area.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow in the Icefields area has buried recently formed wind slab on NE aspects, tree line and above. The mid snowpack remains supportive however it is quickly loosing strength in shallow snowpacks.

Avalanche Summary

Natural loose snow avalanches have been reported on steep slopes below tree line where the snowpack is thin.  Loose snow avalanches to size 2 were the result of avalanche control work on the Parkway on December 21st.  The control work was on thin steep below tree line slopes.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable on Saturday

Regions covered