Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 26th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Increasing cloud cover with light snow flurries will begin Tuesday afternoon and carry through to Thursday with only slight snow accumulations. Sometime on Thursday afternoon thereÂ should be an increase in snowfall through Friday and into the weekend. Weather models are uncertain as to the timing and intensity of these snowfalls on the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in the area today.Â It has been a while since any significant avalanche activity occurred.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Wind Slabs

The snow surface consisting of earlier windslabs may be covered by light snow flurries with very little wind. This is not expected to add any real load to the snowpack in the next few days. More snow may be forthcoming into the weekend.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2013 4:00PM