Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Jasper National Park
Forecast snow amounts for Sunday are light, and not expected to overload the persistent weakness.
Watch for hidden hazards buried under the new fresh snow!
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Last week's storm snow, combined with southwesterly winds, has built soft slabs in open features. These slabs failed when small sluffs, out of very steep lee terrain, hit the slope.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Summary
Avi control on Parkers Ridge Friday produced 2 large avalanches, size 2 and 2.5 on a N aspect running as the the persistent slab. Slope was hit with 17 explosive charges. The 18th shot, a large crown appeared up to 1.5m thick x 150m long x 300m wide and buried under 2m of debris for 150m. Interesting display of sensitivity and spacial distribution.
Snowpack Summary
The persistent slab is made up of 3 weak interfaces, all in the top 30 to 50cm of the snowpack. Depth and distribution of these weak surface hoar/facet layers varies with the terrain, vegetation, and shelter; although it has consistently been found in sheltered features at TL and above. Windslabs continue to developed in open areas at TL.
Weather Forecast
Sunday: cool temps with cloud and light flurries and 5cm new snow. Monday: temps will remain constant, around -9. Winds will be light SW with moderate to strong gusts. Up to 25cm has been forecast over the day Monday and into Tuesday!
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This problem is made up of 3 significant interfaces in the top 30-50cm of the snowpack but may be seen deeper in wind loaded locations. These slabs have been active to skier testing and explosive control work producing a few very significant results.