Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 17 – 18, 2014Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map

Highlights

Unusually warm temps are expected this weekend, which will increase the avalanche danger at all elevations.  The potential for natural large avalanches running full path will increase with the rising temperatures.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs are still touchy at upper elevations.  Extensive scouring and cross loading was apparent today during helicopter control efforts on upper targets in the alpine. 

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Basal weakness means that the potential for full depth avalanches still exists.  Smaller avalanches have the potential to trigger deeper instabilities.

Weather Forecast

Mild temperatures to continue until the weekend, with maximum values expected on Saturday (+8C at valley bottom!).  Freezing levels to rise to 1900m on Saturday.  No new precipiation is expected.  Winds to remain light Southwesterly.

Snowpack Summary

Warmer temperatures at TL and below are promoting settlement in the snowpack. Recent new snow has been redistributed by strong SW winds creating wind slab in open areas at all elevations. This sits over a supportive mid-pack at higher elevations. Extensive scouring and cross loading in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Helicopter control work in the Columbia Icefields area today produced numerous large avalanches to size 3 on a variety of aspects in the alpine. Avalanches showed good propagation and released either at the storm snow interface or on basal facets.  Many ran full path and smaller slides were able to step down to deeper instabilities.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered