Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2013 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Public reports indicate some good skiing can be found where recent snow is sitting on the previous hardslab in sheltered locations in the alpine.

Summary

Weather Forecast

No significant precipitation is expected in the next 3 days. Temps expected to be mild and skies partly cloudy. Freezing levels to remain below 1300m.

Snowpack Summary

Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline. Below treeline the mid-pack is weak and shallow. Scattered flurries over the past 48 hours have left a dusting of new snow in the Icefield area and up to 10cm in the Maligne area.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed on a road patrol of the Icefields Parkway and Maligne Valley.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snowfall amounts vary depending on location. Reports from Shangri-La indicate as much as 10cm of new snow. This new snow is forming wind slabs that are sitting on the previous widespread hardslab and may be sensitive to light triggers.

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, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The hard windslabs that dominate the alpine snowpack have been unreactive lately. It still may be possible to trigger an avalanche on steep unsupported terrain from thin areas and edges of these slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2013 4:00PM