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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 23rd, 2016–Jan 24th, 2016
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

A widespread weak faceted base is the root of all concern.  Be very cautious in all steep terrain for slab and loose snow avalanches. 

Weather Forecast

A few more cm of snow possible through Sunday. Seasonable alpine temperatures with SW winds picking up on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

SW (M-S) winds have built slab on top of a weak faceted snowpack on exposed tree line and alpine features. Mid-pack starting to loose strength.  Some pin-wheeling and snowballing on steep terrain below tree line on all aspects on top of a very weak faceted base.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of sz 2.5 slab avalanches in the alpine (a cornice and natural) on south and NE aspects south of the Icefields along the Parkway. Loose snow avalanches should be expected in steep terrain at tree line and below. Touchy slab conditions can be expected below ridge lines in open tree line areas and in the alpine.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Sunday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

A significant SW wind event produced touchy wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at tree line and above.
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, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Loose dry avalanches should be expected in steep terrain, and may entrain significant amounts of snow in gully features.
On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2