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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2019–Dec 19th, 2019
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

A strong south-west wind is ripping through the ridge tops of the forecast region; scouring and loading features with reckless abandon!

Tailing this is a luscious pacific system set to unload up to 50cm of new snow through the weekend. Stay tuned.

Weather Forecast

Unsettled weather with moderate to strong SW winds for the next few days. Forecast region is under the influence of a weather system tracking from the Gulf of Alaska. On Friday, a sub tropical 'atmospheric river', arrives with rising temperatures and, at times heavy precip through to Sunday.

For more details: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Sustained moderate to strong SW ridge-top winds likely creating variable soft and hard slabs in all lee features. There is a mid-pack crust/facet interface distributed through the region. It has shown very little reactivity to this point. A weak basal facet/depth hoar layer exists at the base of the pack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Add or view trip reports here at the CAA's Mountain Information Network

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds are creating wind slabs in NW to SE lee aspects. Sensitivity expected to be reactive in the immediate future and may wake deeper, weaker interfaces.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A few large avalanches were observed during last cycle early in December and we suspect it was on this layer. Triggering the windslab problem has potential to release this lower problem layer.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5