Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 2 – 3, 2015Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Ski conditions are improving as we get steady light snowfall over the next 2 days.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    The interface between storm snow and the melt-freeze crust from the recent warm temperatures warrants investigation. Touchy conditions should be expected in steep terrain, on all aspects below 2400m.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads such as cornices or from shallow areas by skiers. Explosive control work yielded big results at Marmot on Saturday on this interface.

Weather Forecast

Snow! We expect steady light snowfall over the next couple of days reaching a maximum intensity on Tuesday night and clearing on Wednesday. Total amount from this storm in the 15-20cm range. Temps will remain mild and cool and freezing levels will top out at 1150m. Winds light to moderate from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks's warm temperatures and rain followed by cooler temps have produced a widespread crust up to 2400m on all aspects. Higher elevations are characterized by previous wind affected surfaces in exposed areas and wind slabs on lee aspects. 15-20 cm of storm snow is now sitting over this crust and this will increase throughout the storm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today by field teams in the Columbia Icefield area and from the lands adjacent to Marmot Basin. Visibility was very poor due to cloudy conditions and snowfall.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Regions covered