Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2015 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Take an incrementally progressive approach to the commitment of your ski lines!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wednesday setting up to be a lovely day in the mountains for all enthusiasts. Expecting small insignificant flurries overnight bringing very little new snow and breaking in the morning to broken sunny skies and cool temps with forecasted highs at or near -10. North-westerly ridge top winds should be in the low to moderate range with moderate gusts.

Snowpack Summary

The snow pack is consistently supportive with little variation in mid-pack density above 2000ms. Excellent quality touring and skiing at all elevations. Wind slab can be found in lee areas at and above treeline. Dec 3rd interface is down about 60cm but it is not easily triggered. Below 1900ms the HS is more typical of the Rockies; weak and shallow.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed and reported

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

A thin windslab can be found in lee areas at treeline and into the alpine. Several natural avalanches started with this slab and then stepped down to full depth releases in the alpine following last weeks storm.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec3 layer down 60cm has not been associated with any observed natural activity nor has it proven to be reactive to skier traffic. Further cooling temperatures and the consistently supportive mid-pack helping increase confidence in this layer.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2015 4:00PM