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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 17th, 2013–Dec 18th, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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