Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 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.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Travel below tree line continues to be frustrating because of the weak unsupported snowpack. Early season hazards exist.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Returning to more seasonal temperatures and light snow with little accumulation.

Snowpack Summary

Variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs are continuing to develop in lee terrain features. Wind slab and a mainly facetted snowpack overlies October 27 rain crust which is distributed sporadically through the forecast area. Basal facets and depth hoar to ground.

Avalanche Summary

Today we observed 2 size 3 avalanches on an east facing cross-loaded alpine bowl near Mt. Saskatchewan/Wilson area, 2 size 2.5 on a similar aspect in the Winston Churchill range. All appeared to have been triggered with continued loading and ran on the Oct crust.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanche activity continues to be sporadic on this layer. Watch for continued loading in alpine features above ice climbs and skier terrain.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

The wind slab is highly variable across all slopes from breakable to bullet proof. Watch for continued loading in alpine features above ice climbs and skier terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2013 4:00PM