Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2015 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The storm snow is starting to settle but bonding with the rain crust it its sitting on is uncertain. Stick to low angle terrain until this can be tested.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries with light winds and seasonal temperatures for Tuesday and Wednesday. Warm temperatures expected on Thursday extending into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Huge variation in the snowpack across the forecast region!! The Icefields Area received around 1 meter of snow since Friday while areas to the north received much less. Sensitive storm slab sitting of Jan 29 rain crust on all aspects at treeline and above. Trace to 5 cm new snow sitting on rain crust below treeline in most areas.

Avalanche Summary

Minor sluffing of loose dry snow out of steep terrain. No new observations.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Thick storm slabs can be found on all aspects at treeline and above.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2015 4:00PM