Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2015 4:19PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The storm slab is proving to be highly reactive to ski cutting where it overlies the weak facet/surface hoar layer. This is likely to be an issue for the foreseeable future.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The forecast calls for little precipitation with clear skies and increasing temperatures through the day on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Skiing was good yesterday but field teams were very cautious around steep terrain where it was easy to ski cut several small soft slabs.

Avalanche Summary

The debris of a natural size 2 storm slab avalanche was observed from East facing terrain in the alpine.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow has settled into a slab which overlies a weak layer of facets and surface hoar. A forecast of warm temps and clear skies on Friday may well lead to an increased likelihood of avalanches on solar aspects.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This weak layer exists below a strong mid-pack at treeline and sub-alpine elevations. Large loads such as a cornice collapse or surface slides could still possibly trigger this deep persistent weakness.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2015 4:00PM