Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 6 – 7, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New snow this weekend will freshen up the skiing and introduce a storm slab problem.

Expect dry loose avalanches in steep unsupported terrain as the new snow sits over a firm, wind-affected surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Expect dry loose avalanches in steep unsupported terrain as the new snow sits over a firm, wind affected surface.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Incremental loading will increase this hazard throughout the day. This problem will likely transition to a wind slab in the near future.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    You must keep this basal layer on your radar as triggering is possible in isolated features, such as steep rocky terrain where you find yourself standing on the surface and not wallowing in facets, that's the problem slab.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported today.

A size 2 avalanche was noted on Tuesday on Mt Athabasca's North Glacier below the ramp. The avalanche ran to glacier ice likely on facets. This shows that avalanches can still happen on isolated terrain features.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of new snow sits over a wind-affected surface. The rest of the snowpack is weak and faceted with well-developed depth hoar at the base. Sheltered areas have an average snow depth of ~45-65 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday

Flurries. Snow 4 cm. Alpine temperature high -9 °C. Ridge wind N 10-20 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Ridge wind W: 10-20 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom

Monday

Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Ridge wind SW 15 km/h

The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrian.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Regions covered