Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2014 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Snowfall warning issued for Jasper for late Tuesday evening into Wednesday afternoon. Danger rating will increase if it arrives, low confidence. 15cm or more snow with winds in a short time may cause direct action avalanches on specific slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A snowfall warning has been issued for Jasper National Park. A low pressure system moving into central BC will spread cloud and snow into the mountain parks late Tuesday evening. 15cm or more of snow with winds is expected by Wednesday afternoon .

Snowpack Summary

In the Icefields, winds are whipping up what little snow is available. A thin windskin has capped a 2cm layer of small surface hoar and surface facets. Watch this layer as a concern later. A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over weak basal facets at tree line and above. Below treeline it is supportive mid-pack where 70cm HS.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported for several days.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer may become reactive if there is a sudden temperature warming, additional snow load is applied, or smaller surface avalanches initiate deeper layers. Watch this develop as the storm arrives Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2014 4:00PM