Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Great skiing in sheltered locations at treeline. The bonding of the new storm snow is under investigation right now - keep an eye out for recent natural avalanche activity.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowfall amounts are tapering off, with only 5-10cm expected over the next 72hours in light scattered flurries. Temperatures are cooling as well, -15C overnight and freezing levels staying below 1200m. Winds shifting to the South on Thursday, then returning to a light Westerly flow by the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

60cm of storm snow in the past week sits on a variety of surfaces, ranging from a crust on steep solar aspects to the Dec3 surface hoar layer in isolated locations. This storm snow snow came in warm, is settling rapidly, and is forming a new slab condition, particularly in wind exposed areas.

Avalanche Summary

Poor visibility during this storm. No new avalanches observed, but natural activity is expected in the alpine. Expect shedding of loose snow from steep rocky terrain.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snowfall has been a great addition to the snowpack, and should help set the stage for the winter. The bonding of this new snow at the Dec 3 interface down 60cm is the condition to monitor right now.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Recent storm snow plastered to steep rocky terrain will want to shed, particularly on solar aspects below 1500m.

Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2015 4:00PM