Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2014 4:01PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Load is the word of the day. Look for loaded and cross-loaded areas. Don't overload the slope from shallow areas. Load your pack with food and water for a big day, and un-load your memory card and load it back up with blue-bird pictures!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Outstanding cool day expected in the forecast area. Temperatures expected to start down in the minus mid-teens in the morning and warm to cool single digits over the day. Light variable winds shifting north to south over the day. Comfortable day to be digging in the snow looking for crusts.

Snowpack Summary

A steady cooling trend overnight and over the day tightening up the storm instability. Touchy conditions still exist in isolated areas at tree line and sub alpine elevations in cross-loaded and lee features. The facet crust layers near the base of the snowpack are the most susceptible to human triggering especially from shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

Previous activity offering interesting results on the November rain crust persistent weak layer. Long delays of a few minutes after an explosive detonation at Marmot Basin released a size 3 that ran much further than expected from a heavily loaded ridge top feature.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep persistent slabs at treeline and sheltered sub-alpine slopes still reactive from shallow areas within the snowpack.

Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Loaded, cross-loaded and re-loaded lee features still producing touchy slabs.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2014 4:00PM