Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2017 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The cold spell is over. Mild temperatures and the potential for heavy snowfall above 1600m by mid-week.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Warming trend through to mid-week with freezing levels creeping up to 1600m. Light precipitation expected to intensify by Tuesday, bringing potentially 30cm in this storm. Winds Southwesterly in the light to moderate range.

Snowpack Summary

Multiple surface and buried wind slabs overlying a variety of faceted weaknesses to ground. Extensive scouring and wind affect in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Variable winds have created a situation of cross and, reverse loaded features through the region. Stripped ribs, ridge-tops, and open features threaten to push users into areas where the snow has formed new windslabs.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets. Be aware of wide variation in snowpack depthCaution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2017 4:00PM