Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2013 4:00PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Ice climbers need to consider that gully features will be loading from the turbulent winds. Skiers need to evaluate the consequence of their line should a windslab kick them of their feet.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowfalls in the 10cm range will continue through Wednesday night when temperatures will cool leading into a colder day with occational sunny periods on Thursday. The weather will then return to light snow flurries through the weekend. Winds are expected to continue from the Southwest with strong gusts coming from various directions.

Snowpack Summary

Strong, turbulent winds continue to add to the variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs are developing in lee terrain features. These windslabs sit above the October 27 raincrust with weak basal facets at the bottom of the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 slab was remotely triggered from below by a skier in the Bald hills on Sunday. This occurred on a Northeast aspect in the lower alpine. No other avalanches have been reported today.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds gusting from all directions are redistributing the snow into the sheltered terrain features. Any slope is steep enough to slide and has enough snow to ski, should be evaluated for windslabs.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Any slope or terrain feature that was sheltered enough to hold snow in October could have this raincrust on it. Facets developing above and below this layer may cause even a small avalanche to step down to ground.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2013 4:00PM