Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 13 – 14, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Despite limited avalanche activity, the snowpack structure is weak and caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs from last weeks wind event becoming less reactive over time.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Marmot Basin Ski area reports surface hoar extending into some alpine features. Solar crust on south aspects is also of concern. Dig and assess this layer before committing to terrain. Lots of whumpfing and shooting cracks have been observed on this layer across Jasper but no avalanches have been observed yet. Below tree line hazard specific to steep open terrain where this problem may be preserved.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Road patrol on the Icefields Parkway observed a natural size 1.5 avalanche in the alpine. This avalanche is estimated to have occurred a few days ago running on the persistent weak layer. Explosive control at Marmot ski resort at tree line and alpine has been producing small results mostly running within new snow and occasionally scrubbing to the persistent weak layer in the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of recent snow overlies previous wind slab in the alpine. At tree line and below a surface hoar layer can be found down 25-35cm in sheltered areas. The snowpack ranges from 40-100cm deep and can be unsupportive in locations.

Weather Summary

Tuesday will be cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace.Alpine temperature: High -1 °C.Ridge wind northwest: 10 km/h.Freezing level: 2000 metres.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries.Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -6 °C.

Ridge wind light to 15 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Regions covered