Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

A.L. Horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Should be a great weekend to get out ice climbing or to travel in the alpine. A big dump of snow is needed before good skiing is a reality.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A dry northerly flow will bring scattered clouds and only the faintest hope of a few flurries with no appreciable accumulation. Expect moderate North winds on Saturday with alpine temperatures slightly warmer than normal and very high diurnal variation as the sun's effect becomes stronger.

Snowpack Summary

Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets on most lee aspects above treeline. The treeline mid-pack continues to weaken as the faceting process continues and below treeline the snowpack is thin and weak.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed on a patrol of the Maligne Road on Friday.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

The hard windslabs that dominate the alpine snowpack have been unreactive lately. It still may be possible to trigger an avalanche on steep unsupported terrain from thin areas and edges of these slabs.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2013 4:00PM