Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 14 – 15, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch for signs of previous reverse wind loading and dry loose avalanches. Just because it is cold doesn't mean that avalanches can't happen.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Reverse loading from NE winds have likely created wind slab on non-typical SW aspects in the alpine.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    The cold temperatures and the clear skies will trigger loose dry avalanches from steep rocky terrain. These avalanches by themselves will be of low risk unless you are in a terrain trap or above a cliff.

  • 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

Loose dry avalanches to size one from steep rocky terrain were observed across Jasper on Thursday. No field patrol Friday or Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures continue to weaken the snowpack. There is a possibility of reverse wind loading from previous NE winds in the alpine. Cold temperatures can cause a wind slab problem to persist longer than normal. Old persistent weak layers are present in the snowpack but continue to facet and are unreactive in snow pit tests.

Weather Summary

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

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

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