Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 2nd, 2015–Feb 3rd, 2015

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Visibility in the Alpine should improve on Wednesday with recent snowfall making for some good ski travel conditions at treeline and above.

Weather Forecast

Expect light snowfall to continue through Tuesday with continued moderate southerly winds and cool temperatures. Wednesday may see some patches of blue before warmer temperatures and a moist Pacific system begin to dominate the west starting Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks's warm temperatures and rain resulted in a widespread crust up to 2400m on all aspects. Higher elevations have wind affected surfaces in exposed areas and wind slabs on lee aspects. 15-20 cm of storm snow has accumulated over either crust or wind hammered snow. The snowpack is resting on weak basal facets that are 15cm-25cm deep.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported today. Visibility was poor due to cloudy conditions and snowfall.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs on lee features will continue to develop throughout the storm. Continued moderate temperatures will help build windslabs and cornices over steeper features.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads such as cornices or from shallow areas by skiers. The entire snowpack throughout the forecast region is riding on 15 to 25cm of depth hoar.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3