Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2016 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.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Moderate still means human-triggered avalanches possible. Approach any consequential slope with the appropriate caution.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Steady cooling trend to continue into the week. Only trace amounts of snow expected for the foreseeable future. Overnight lows of -10 to -13C. Light to moderate Southwest winds.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds have built wind slab at tree-line and above. These slabs may be up to 40cm thick. The mid-pack consists of buried wind and persistent slab with a failure plane down 60cm that is producing mostly resistant planar results in tests. In the valley bottom the snowpack is weak and unconsolidated making for tough trail breaking.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs appear to be bonding well, however caution is still warranted in immediate lees and cross loaded terrain above treeline.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers of decomposed surface hoar, facets, and depth hoar can be found in many locations. Although these layers have been dormant lately, careful slope evaluation is essential. Be cautious of shallow areas with slab over facets.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2016 4:00PM