Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 12th, 2020 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 Deep Persistent Slabs.

Parks Canada Jasper Snow Safety, Parks Canada

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Slightly colder temperatures and small amounts of new snow will keep the sheltered skiing in good shape.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night to Thursday evening: 5cm of snow expected. -11 as the low and light SW winds gusting to 45km.

Friday: Cloudy with no precipitation expected. Low -12

Weekend: Mostly overcast with trace amounts of snow expected. Light SW winds with some gusts to 55km on Saturday.

See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

SW winds have created variable windslab and pronounced cornice development on Northerly aspects and cross loaded features treeline and above. Suspect more sensitive soft slab developing at treeline. The mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar. Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.

Avalanche Summary

A road patrol down Maligne lake road today showed fresh wind effect on alpine features, but no new avalanche activity was observed.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are prevalent through the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.

  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 13th, 2020 4:00PM