Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2015 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

There has been significant change to the lower elevation snowpack over the past week. This will be an important interface to monitor as the next pulse of snow arrives this weekend.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cool temps for the next few days, with freezing levels creeping up to treeline elevation on Friday afternoon. 10cm of snow expected to fall in the Columbia Icefield area by Sunday night.

Snowpack Summary

Recent warm temperatures and rain followed by cooler temps have produced a widespread crust up to 2400 on all aspects. Above this, previous wind affected surfaces in exposed areas and wind slabs on lee aspects.

Avalanche Summary

The avalanche activity has slowed with the cooler temperatures. Several small loose wet slides were observed today along the Endless Chain out of steep, rocky, solar aspects around 2100m.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Forecasters have had easy test results on this layer recently. The tricky thing about this layer is that it is not widespread but can be found in sheltered areas.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2015 4:00PM