Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jasper Snow Safety,
Parks Canada
There are dramatic differences in the snowpack from the Icefields to Whistler creek areas. Whistler area is significantly less supportive to skiers and one large avalanche was triggered by skiers four days ago off Indian Ridge. Use caution!
Summary
Weather Forecast
Saturday will be a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, 5cm of snow overnight, -8 C, and West winds 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h. Sunday will bring 7 cm of snow, and -15 to -5 C with light winds.
Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Variable strength windslab on most surfaces treeline and above. Solar crusts on steep South aspects up to 2200m. Pronounced cornice development on northerly aspects and cross loaded features treeline and above. The mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar in some locations but there is allot of variability.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported from field team in the Circus valley near Portal creek.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are widespread through the region with new and previous loading in lee features. Sensitivity will vary with local loading and wind patterns. Winds continue to blow strong.
- Watch for pockets of hard windslab in steep alpine terrain features..
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Triggering could occur from shallow snowpack areas or from large loads such a cornice failure. The consequences of triggering will likely be severe!
- Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2020 4:00PM
