Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2013 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

There is zero skier support below treeline. Early season hazards lurk just under the snow. Watch for increased potential of natural activity on Monday and Tuesday if temperatures increase particularly on South aspects.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Clouds, flurries, and seasonal temperatures will continue in the Icefields. Warmer temperatures may occur Monday with -2 degrees Celsius at 3000m.

Snowpack Summary

At Hilda ridge, snowpack ranges from 5-100cm with a 4cm raincrust down 40cm at treeline and suspect it existing at higher elevations. A 15cm windslab exists in open areas treeline and above. Moderate wind transport continues. Height of snow is 45cm at the parkers ridge summer trail weather plot.

Avalanche Summary

Three size 2's was noted off Kitchener ridge today on East aspect. Likely 48hours or older. A few size 1 solar releases observed on South aspects.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 4cm thick rain-crust exists 40cm down at treeline on East aspect. Whether its on all aspects and at higher elevations is low confidence. Moderate winds continue to load slopes.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

15cm windslabs are developing in open treeline areas and above with moderate wind transport.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2013 4:00PM