Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Jan 8 – 9, 2020Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable

Highlights

Avoid avalanche terrain. A great time to go to the ski hill.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    New snow will bury and could trigger existing wind slabs as well as form new ones at treeline and above. Consider avoiding terrain which is thin to thick and/or significant overhead wind loaded features.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Caution in steep gullies and terrain traps where a small sluff could have large consequences. Avoid terrain where this problem can initiate slab avalanches on deeper layers.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3

    This weakness could be triggered by large loads or from thin spots in the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Up to 30cm of new snow with light west winds forecasted for the next 12-18 hours and then clearing late Wednesday morning. Cooler temperatures and clearer skies forecasted for late Wednesday into Friday with light to moderate winds from the west.

Visit CAA's Mountain Weather Forecast for more specific details.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of new snow forecasted could overlie last weeks storm snow. Possible wind slab formation could occur on lee aspects in the alpine and treeline. These would overlie buried surface hoar up to 2200m in sheltered areas. Wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above. The bottom of the snowpack consists of depth hoar and facets

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity expected to increase tomorrow with new snow, this will  be dependent on the amounts received. No new natural avalanche activity observed or reported today due to limited field observations. Avalanches could run full path and into below treeline.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Regions covered