Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 22 – 23, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Human triggered avalanches remain possible on specific slopes such as steep convex shaped wind-loaded features. Skiing is good alpine to treeline locations where sheltered from the wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Where ever the wind has buffed the surface into a slab should be carefully evaluated particularly ridgetop transitions. Pockets of slab have also been created by valley bottom winds and have been found in exposed locations at treeline and below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    This persistent weak layer consists of facets and decomposing surface hoar under 30cm of surface snow. It sits on a mixture of crusts and firm snow. It is of most concern at treeline and subalpine zones between 2000-2400m.

Weather Forecast

A dusting of snow Friday into Saturday with light North winds on Saturday and cold overnight temperatures. Sunday into Wednesday will be sun and cold overnight temperatures with daytime warming in the afternoons. 

Snowpack Summary

There is about 30cm overtop a facet and decomposing surface hoar layer from the previous cold weather. This seems to be most prevalent from treeline into the lower alpine elevations. Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets. Alpine has a variety of layers in top 1m but generally all well bridged.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches were observed or reported.

Confidence

Regions covered