Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Nov 28 – 29, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Alpine temperatures expected to be above freezing over the weekend during the afternoon. Expect sloughing on steep solar aspects at treeline and alpine elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    North winds have formed wind slabs on isolated terrain features at upper elevations.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Expect loose snow releases on steep solar terrain previously loaded by Northerly winds if temperatures rise above freezing. This may be of greatest concern to ice climbers below solar start zones.

Weather Forecast

Weather models indicate that freezing levels may climb to 3000m during the heat of the day over the weekend, with temps up to +5C at treeline. Inversions have been common over the past few days and are likely to continue. Winds remain light, with cold temperatures overnight. No precipitation until next week.

Snowpack Summary

72 hours of cold temperatures have weakened the snowpack. Isolated pockets of windslab in exposed areas above treeline. Alpine is scoured in many places, leaving dirt, rock or shallow snow cover. Surface hoar formation and faceting is expected to be widespread. Warm temps in past 24hrs may be producing thin crust on solar aspects at treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today, but no road patrol was conducted. Expect steep solar aspects to shed snow during the heat of the day with forecasted freezing levels up to 3000m.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Regions covered