Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 18th, 2014–Dec 19th, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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.

Although the snowpack continues to strengthen, it is possible to trigger large avalanches from shallow areas.

Weather Forecast

Total snowfall amount of 10cm is expected over the next few days, with light winds and seasonal temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

Surface Hoar continues to form. A strong mid-pack overlies approximately 20-40cm of facets. Isolated wind slabs still exist in open areas at tree line and alpine elevations. The interface between the mid-pack and facets is most susceptible to human triggering from shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations today. There is past evidence of large deep slides in wind loaded features that released in the last cycle.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

These deep persistent slabs at tree line and sheltered alpine slopes may be triggered from shallow areas within the snowpack.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Approach loaded, cross-loaded and re-loaded lee features with caution.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2