Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 21 – 22, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Best ski conditions will be found at and below tree line on sheltered slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Previous moderate to strong SW winds in the Icefields area at upper elevations have added to this condition.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3
    A supportive mid-pack is adding strength to the snowpack above this weakness. Shallow areas should be considered suspect.

Weather Forecast

An arctic cold front will move into the forecast area.  Light to moderate Southerly winds are forecast with the possibility of light flurries overnight, clearing by Friday.  Temperatures will be about 10 degrees colder than average for this time of year.

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs in the alpine are the primary avalanche concern. These are more likely to be encountered in the Columbia Icefields area where the strongest winds have been observed. In the Marmot Pass area on December 18th, surface slabs  failed with a moderate shear near treeline elevations. The mid snowpack remains supportive for the time being.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Regions covered