Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2012 4:29PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Should the winds increase from the Southwest, pay attention to the windslab development near ridgetops and gully features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continuous light snowfalls will occur through the weekend with a potential of up to 30cms in the Icefields area by Sunday night. Ridgetop winds will increase to moderate from the Southwest by Saturday afternoon, redistributing some of the new snow onto lee aspects. Temperatures will remain relatively mild between - 2 to -10 C.

Snowpack Summary

A couple cms of new snow fell today with minimal wind effect. Wind slabs created after last week's storm continue to be our biggest concern in the snowpack, particularly at ridge tops and cross loaded features.ï¿½

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the past 48 hours.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

No new natural activity on this layer has been noted for a few days yet potential still exists on steep unsupported wind loaded slopes.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A persistent facetted weakness can be found around a mid-pack crust. There is low likelihood of natural avalanches occurring on this layer but we are watching as each small system deposits more snow load.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2012 4:00PM