Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 19 – 20, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Incoming snow and strong SW winds will increase the avalanche danger at all elevations

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    The incoming new snow and strong SW winds will produce windslabs at all elevations. Beneath the slab is a widespread surface hoar layer on most aspect from treeline to the valley bottom. Also near treeline on southerly slopes is a buried sun crust.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4
    The new snow will increase the reactivity of this deeply buried problem.  An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.

Weather Forecast

Incoming snow with strong SW winds are forecasted for the next 24hrs. Snowfall amounts continue to be down graded now at 10-15cm overnight and Saturday afternoon. Strong to extreme SW winds will redistribute the snow onto lee features. Temps at treeline will be -6C but cooling will occur as the storm passes and the winds decrease into the evening.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks surface hoar and suncrust will be buried under the incoming new snow. These layers will be the new focus of concern. The additional load may well awaken the deeply buried basal instabilities and wind slab activity can be expected at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations were report from a team in Parkers Ridge area todayBe a part of the Avalanche Forecasting team by reporting your field trip this weekend on Avalanche Canada's Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Regions covered