Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 15th, 2021–Nov 16th, 2021

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

It's hard to resist all of this new snow is falling but be patient and wait for the danger to drop before committing to avalanche terrain. The Icefields Parkway is closed for avalanche control on Tuesday Nov 16th. For highway closures check 511AB.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud.

Alpine temperature: High -12 C.

Ridge wind west: 15-35 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods.

Alpine temperature: Low -17 C, High -13 C.

Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud.

Alpine temperature: Low -14 C, High -11 C.

Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

Around 60cm of new snow at Parker Ridge in the past 72 hours. Moderate to strong SW winds are likely building wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline. This new storm snow is sitting on a variable snowpack depending on aspect and elevation with a melt freeze crust up to around 2500m, weak faceted snow near the ground and old melt freeze crusts

Avalanche Summary

There has been no clear alpine or treeline observations due to poor visibility in the last 48hrs. There is a MIN report of a size 2 slab avalanche at Parker Ridge. It is likely that there is a widespread avalanche cycle occurring in the alpine.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

There are public reports of ski triggered storm slabs down into the trees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Ongoing ridge top winds are likely creating wind slabs in the alpine and open tree line

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

Even small avalanches in exposed terrain can have high consequences.

Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2