Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 26th, 2020 4:22PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Jasper Snow Safety,
Parks Canada
A tricky snowpack. Potential for low probability/high consequence avalanches to ground in large steeper alpine terrain. Think about it before committing.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The next 4 days will bring consistently cloudy conditions with minimal precipitation expected. The winds are expected to increase to 45km out of the SW Tuesday and Wednesday. Freezing levels will remain in the valley bottom. Day time highs -6 Lows -13.
For more detailed analysis: Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is highly variable across the forecast area. The snowpack remains mainly facetted, particularly in shallow areas where there is less than 60cm of snow. There is inconsistent bridging in the mid-pack over the weak basal facets and depth hoar. Today's moderate winds redistributing recent storm snow into lee features in the ALP/TL.
Avalanche Summary
Forecasters skied in Nigel basin today. A few solar induced avalanches up to size 2 observed from the past 48 hours. Otherwise no new avalanches today observed. Hazard increased in alpine today due to the winds.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Problems
Wind Slabs
Continued mod SW winds have created new wind slabs
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This is a complex problem. The spacial variability and potential consequences of triggering a large avalanche on this layer makes it extremely difficult to gain confidence in the snowpack. Consider this before entering bigger features.
- Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Found in sheltered areas at treeline. Eg. Nigel Basin.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 27th, 2020 4:00PM
