Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2017 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Minimal avalanche activity has inspired confidence in the snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperatures will cool as the inversion conditions come to an end.Â Expecting to see overcast conditions with flurries that might amount to 8 cm by Sunday.Â Westerly winds will be light but will build on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

There is a well settled snowpack in most locations. Widespread wind effected snow in the alpine with minimal ski penetration. The Halloween, Oct. 31 crust sits in the lower half of the snowpack with faceted crystals above and below; found between 2200 - 2900m.

Avalanche Summary

An older (+48hr) slab avalanche was reported in the Icefields are on a South aspect at 2850 m that started 20 cm deep and then stepped down to a crust 30 cm below.Â The slope angle was ~40 deg. and the size was 2.5.Â It was likely a solar trigger avalanche.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Heavy loads , like natural cornice releases might trigger this deep instability.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2017 4:00PM