Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Feb 25 – 26, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 2 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

The snowpack has changed significantly with the recent new snowfall (12 to 25cm).

Be cautious in all avalanche terrain while the snowpack is adjusting to the new snow load.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    20-30cm of new snow over a very weak snowpack. This slab is very reactive to any loads (ski cuts and explosives).

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The large depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak. The recent storm load has the potential to wake up this problem as overall, the snowpack remains shallow.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Control Work in the Icefields found a reactive storm slab 20-50cm deep. New snow centralized around the Parkers Ridge region (25cm); Maligne Valley received 12cm. Serious avalanche conditions persist through many forecast regions.

Snowpack Summary

24 cm snowfall over 24 hours is very centralized to Parkers Ridge and tampers off quickly, both north and south along the Icefields Parkway. This new storm slab overlies well-developed surface hoar and previous wind effect in exposed treeline and alpine elevations. Limited snowfall throughout the rest of the bulletin region, especially below 1500m where warm temps and rain have soaked the weak snowpack below treeline.

Weather Summary

Overnight Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine temperature: Low -8 °C. Mostly light winds.

Tuesday A mix of sun and cloud. No Precipitation. Alpine temperature: High -3 °C. Light winds. Freezing level: 1800m.

Wednesday Sunny with cloudy periods. No Precipitation. Alpine temperature: Low -7 °C, High -2 °C. Mostly light wind, gusting to 30 km/h. Freezing level: 1900m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
  • Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.

Regions covered