Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2011 5:57PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Dangerous early season avalanche conditions exist and may become worse by Sunday due to a forecasted storm - travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Gusty and variable winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects at upper elevations, especially in exposed areas. Field teams observed widespread whumphing and shooting cracks while traveling in simple terrain today - two good signs of instability.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

20-35cm of new snow is expected to fall in the Columbia Icefields Area by early Sunday morning, accompanied by strong winds. This will produce widespread storm slabs that will be easily triggered by light loads.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2011 4:00PM