Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 22nd, 2019 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.

jasper snow safety, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Be aware of newly developed windslabs in immediate lee features. Good skiing can be found sheltered locations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Saturday cloudy with sunny periods, no precipitation alpine temperature high -17 C, ridge wind east 10 km/h.Freezing level at valley bottom.Mountain weather forecast available at Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack is faceted creating a weak slab over a faint, inconsistent layer of surface hoar/facets on a crust down 40cm. The thicker snowpack spots have a strong mid-pack bridging the deep persistent basal weakness (depth hoar). Thinner snow-pack zones are much less consolidated, where the midpack may act as a slab on the basal depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterdays field team reported dry loose from steep Alpine terrain and thin (5cm), but present soft wind effect at immediate ridge top; reactive to skis but not alarming or hazardous. 2600m near Cataract Pass in the Columbia Icefields region. No other reports of new avalanche activity.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds at parkers upper for the last 24 hours, creating wind slabs in immediate lee's.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

It is possible to trigger deep slabs in shallow snowpack areas. Terrain management and assessment is critical to a safe day.

Minimize exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of an avalanche could be serious.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2019 4:00PM