Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2017 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Great ice climbing conditions this week.

Summary

Weather Forecast

No precipitation expected other than very light scattered flurries. Freezing levels staying below 1600m. Minimal wind expected, light Southerly.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs in the alpine primarily on N to E asps. At treeline, soft slab and wind slabs in open areas over a faceted midpack to depth hoar. Nov crust in isolated areas; deeper, sheltered north aspects. Thin rain crust BTL on all aspects below 1600m.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanches observed in the alpine from broad, large, wind loaded features from size 2 to 3 in the past 48hrs.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Any loaded alpine features will be especially sensitive to human triggering.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Isolated locations where this layer is persisting. Has morphed into depth hoar in many areas.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2017 4:00PM