Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 17th, 2015–Jan 18th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Snow, strong winds and rising temperatures on Sunday are perfect conditions for the development of wind slab. Heads up out there.

Weather Forecast

A pulse of snow starting on Sunday (15cm in the Icefields area and 6cm in the Jasper area) will be accompanied by strong Westerly winds and rising temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is highly variable throughout the forecast region. Alpine elevations are very wind effected with some drifting at higher elevations from moderate to strong south westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

One large avalanche observed running on steep rock slabs on Whistler Mountain which was likely triggered by redistributed blowing snow.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong South Westerly winds are redistributing existing snow as slab onto sheltered aspects and cross loaded features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The weak layer of surface hoar and facets from December can still be found and may become susceptible to triggering with more snow loading.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2