Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 17 – 18, 2017Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Use caution and conservative terrain choices if venturing into newly opened  back-country areas. The snowpack is weak and touchy and we have had no field teams or snowpack reports in these areas.

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.  These slabs are showing the potential for wide propagation in connected features.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Avalanches initiated within the storm snow may step down to deeper layers and in some cases gouging to ground in thin snowpack areas.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Isothermal conditions expected in valley bottoms.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are to drop below freezing tonight and remain there through the weekend.  5 cm new snow with moderate SW winds possible overnight, winds are forecast to ease to light by tomorrow afternoon.  Expect a cloudy weekend with a few light flurries.

Snowpack Summary

Isothermal conditions are being reported below tree-line.  10-15 new snow has fallen on previous hard windslab in the alpine and open tree-line features. In sheltered locations tree-line and above, the new snow is adding to a cohesive soft slab that is sitting over a weak and faceted mid-pack. The snowpack is delicate and untrustworthy.

Avalanche Summary

Late this afternoon, small loose wet avalanches were being reported below tree-line on steep rocky terrain.  Surprisingly, little other activity was observed or reported today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Regions covered