Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 22 – 23, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Seek out sheltered areas less affected by recent winds. Avalanches in the upper snowpack have the potential to step down to deeper instabilities.

Small loose avalanches still have the potential to be hazardous above ice routes and terrain traps.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snow and strong winds have created wind slabs. Avoid wind loaded unsupported terrain.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Loose dry avalanches of concern in areas above ice climbing routes.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    A variety of crusts with facets above and below exist at the bottom of the snowpack. These layers are going to be with us for along time and pose a low probability, high consequence situation if triggered.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Friday numerous loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed south of Parker Ridge on steep solar aspects. Thursday several avalanches were observed along the Churchill Range on east faces in alpine up to size 2.5 and running to ground. Some of these avalanches were caused by falling cornices.

Snowpack Summary

25-45 cm wind loading in lee features. The 7mm Surface Hoar that formed last week could be preserved under new snow in sheltered locations. The mid and lower snow pack has multiple layers of surface hoar in sheltered terrain, melt freeze crusts and facets.

Weather Summary

Sunday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: High -4 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 15-25 km/h. Freezing level: 1500 m.

Monday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -8 °C, High -5 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 15-35 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.

Regions covered