Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2014 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Assess your line very carefully and be mindful for rocks and vegetation buried under the new snow.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A return to colder conditions and only a few centimeters of snow is forecast for the next few days. This will do little to change the current avalanche conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of new storm snow now overlies existing wind slabs. Strong supportive mid pack at TL and above lies on a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist.

Avalanche Summary

Road patrols in the forecast area observed a size 2 storm slab at TL and sloughing from steep south facing terrain.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Triggering this layer from a shallow area is possible and would have high consequences in terrain features of any size.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Multiple wind slab layers at the top of the snowpack can be triggered and may step down to the deeper instability at the bottom of the snow pack.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Up to 30cm of new storm snow is not yet bonded to the old snowpack.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2014 4:00PM