Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2014 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Pineapple express continues to bring warm and windy weather with snow fall occurring at treeline and alpine elevations only.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Remaining relatively mild into Thursday followed by a cooling trend into the weekend. Snowfall is expected at treeline elevations and above and will be accompanied by moderate to strong south westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Touchy wind slabs are forming in lee and cross loaded terrain features in the alpine and treeline. Mid-pack is gaining strength with recent mild temperatures. Bonding with the November crusts near the bottom of the snowpack appears to be improving. Whumphing at treeline elevations is less dramatic and more localized than the previous week.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations in the alpine and treeline today due to the poor visibility. Size 2 avalanche had occurred in the last 24 hours at a below treeline location in the Maligne Lake area.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent wind loading has produced new touchy wind slabs on lee and cross loaded features in sheltered areas.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slab mainly around treeline is showing some signs of consolidation with less extensive whumphing observed on yesterdays field trip.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Mild temperatures and rain have increased the likelihood of loose wet slides at lower elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2014 4:00PM