Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Dec 13 – 14, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Conditions are stabilizing but patience is advised before venturing into wind loaded alpine slopes.  Stick to sheltered tree line slopes. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Wind slab is present on all open lee slopes from the alpine into tree line elevations. Several natural slab avalanches have been observed on this layer.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Slab avalanches and large cornice failures have triggered this weakness on SE to NE aspects in the alpine.� Shallow snowpack areas� and along the edges of snow pockets will be likely trigger spots.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will remain seasonal (Max -7 Min -15) with no snow in the forecast.  Light Westerly winds can be expected at tree line with moderate to strong winds in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab can be found on most lee slopes extending from the Alpine well into tree line elevations.  Expect variable wind loading patterns as directions vary with local terrain influences.  Cornices are well developed.

Avalanche Summary

An avalanche cycle occurred Sunday into Monday.  Slab avalanches to size 3 were observed on NE aspects at alpine and tree line elevations and in some locations, have stepped down to the basal facet layer.  Large cornice failure has triggered large avalanches on the basal facet layer as well. 

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Thursday

Regions covered