Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2013 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Turn the bulletproof hard slab above treeline from an enemy to an ally by using it for quick travel on long flat alpine tours.Good time to go ice climbing!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light scattered snowfalls through Thursday. Return to more seasonal temperatures (cooling trend). Winds moderate to strong at ridgetop.

Snowpack Summary

Any small amounts of new snow that fell in the last 48hrs was hard to find in both the Parker Ridge area and the Maligne valley. Recent strong winds have obliterated most loose snow on most aspects above treeline and left a widespread persistent hard slab on the surface, covering 50-70cm of facets. Below treeline the midpack is weak.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches in Jasper or signs of instability related to the widespread persistent hard slab above treeline.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard persistent slabs up to 30cm thick are widespread above treeline and appear to be mostly unreactive. Thin wind slabs may be found in immediate lee areas above treeline with the small amount of new snow and may be touchy.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2013 4:00PM