Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 15 – 16, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Lee terrain and gully features will have additional slab development over the next few days. Climbers should select their climbs to minimize overhead hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Strong to extreme gusting winds from the South through to the West will be developing additional windslabs on lee aspects at treeline and on lee terrain features in the alpine.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    A small avalanche on a lee aspect may step down to this layer and could go to ground on the facets.

Weather Forecast

A front may bring extreme wind gusts scouring alpine snowpacks on the South and Southwest aspects. Winds may diminish Sunday afternoon with expected light snowfalls through Tuesday.  Colder temperatures are expected later in the week and into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Alpine regions will be scoured by strong winds in the Icefields. Gusting winds will be moving any available snow that is left. Expect to see additional wind slab development.

Avalanche Summary

Saturday morning's avalanche patrol on Highway 93 did not observe any new avalanches. However a 3rd hand report from climbers on Thursday indicated a size 2 slab release on the middle pitches of polar circus. This slide likely originated from a slab in the gully feature.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Regions covered