Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2017 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Wind, snow and warming temperatures may increase the avalanche hazard on Sunday. Stay tuned!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moderate SW winds can be expected at tree line and above building to strong on Sunday.Â Temperatures will be mild with 10 cm possible on Sunday (rain showers in valley bottom).Â Expecting clearing, winds easing and temperatures cooling beginning of next week.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is unpredictable. Shallow wind slabs have been failing on solar aspects in the alpine.Â In sheltered areas, approximately 10-15 cm of settled snow is sitting on a weak and faceted mid-pack with depth hoar to ground.Â The November crustÂ exists sporadically and is hard to find in the southern forecast area.

Avalanche Summary

Large slab avalanches to size 3 have been reported recently on open solar aspects in the alpine.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Big open alpine features, especially with a solar aspect, should be avoided. Recent natural avalanche activity on these slopes is expected to continue.

Minimize exposure to steep, planer south facing Alpine slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak lower snowpack is susceptible to triggering.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2017 4:00PM