Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2017 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Use caution and conservative terrain choices if venturing into newly opened back-country areas. The snowpack is weak and touchy and we have had no field teams or snowpack reports in these areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are to drop below freezing tonight and remain there through the weekend. 5 cm new snow with moderate SW winds possible overnight, winds are forecast to ease to light by tomorrow afternoon. Expect a cloudy weekend with a few light flurries.

Snowpack Summary

Isothermal conditions are being reported below tree-line. 10-15 new snow has fallen on previous hard windslab in the alpine and open tree-line features. In sheltered locations tree-line and above, the new snow is adding to a cohesive soft slab that is sitting over a weak and faceted mid-pack. The snowpack is delicate and untrustworthy.

Avalanche Summary

Late this afternoon, small loose wet avalanches were being reported below tree-line on steep rocky terrain. Surprisingly, little other activity was observed or reported today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

The new snow has buried and is adding to last weekend's windslab in the alpine and open tree-line features. These slabs are showing the potential for wide propagation in connected features.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches initiated within the storm snow may step down to deeper layers and in some cases gouging to ground in thin snowpack areas.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Isothermal conditions expected in valley bottoms.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2017 4:00PM