Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 6 – 7, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Little change in weather and snowpack this weekend.  Cornice failure is a concern although we have not seen evidence as of yet.  Stay well back from corniced ridge lines.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs can be found above tree line in exposed terrain. These slabs have been unreactive to skier traffic, however, it is still possible to trigger a slab in steep unsupported terrain.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Loose snow avalanches are likely on steep thin slopes and in gulley features. 

Weather Forecast

The weather on Sunday will be cloudy with snow flurries throughout the day producing light accumulation (5-10 cm).  Winds will be moderate to strong from the West and temperatures will be seasonable.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is faceting and losing strength especially in shallow areas.  At tree line and above, the mid-pack is generally supportive where the snow depth is greater than a meter.  Wind slabs are present in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche patrols were conducted on both the Maligne Road and the Icefields Parkway.  No new avalanches were observed.

Confidence

Regions covered