Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 9th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jasper Snow Safety,
Parks Canada
Moderate to strong SW winds are creating windslabs on NE to SE aspects.
Watch for solar warming on steep Southerly aspects. Overhead pockets can prove be a significant hazard for ice climbing teams.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Generally broken skies in the region this week. Some sporadic snow accumulating to no more than a trace. Freezing levels around 2000 metres. Alpine winds are expected increase in strength overnight Sunday, blowing from the northwest at 30-50 km/h.
See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
SW winds have created deep pockets of windslab and pronounced cornice development on North aspects. Mixed slab character, support and sensitivity in the mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar. Average HS at treeline: ~160cm.
Avalanche Summary
Previous large avalanches observed on Northly aspects and triggered by large loads (like cornices). These have been entraining mass and gaining momentum, often traveling into below treeline elevations and terminating at valley bottom. Do not loiter in run-outs.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
New and developing wind slabs are present in the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 10th, 2020 4:00PM
