Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 18 – 19, 2017Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://www.mountainconditions.com/reports/special-public-avalanche-warning-banff-yoho-kootenay-jasper-feb-17-20-2017Special Public Avalanche Warning has been issued for Jasper due to touchy conditions and newly open terrain around the ski area.  Human triggering has the potential to produce large avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    The new snow has buried and is adding to last weekend's windslab in the alpine and open tree-line features.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Widespread shooting cracks and whumphing was noted by the forecasting team as this layer fails.  Especially sensitive in the Portal Creek area.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are to drop below freezing tonight and remain there through the weekend. Light flurries with 5 cm new snow possible by Sunday.  Winds are forecast to be Light SW.

Snowpack Summary

This unsupportive melt freeze crust below tree-line.  The upper snowpack is failing on the weak and faceted lower pack.  Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks were noted on all elevations.  The snowpack is untrustworthy.

Avalanche Summary

1 Size 2.5 natural avalanche reported in the Whistler Creek drainage on steep NE tree-line slope.  No other activity was observed or reported today.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Saturday

Regions covered