Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 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.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cautious route finding and conservative terrain choices are required with the unpredictable snow conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Generally boring weather forecast. Seasonal temperatures, slight cooling overnight, light winds and no precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Active wind slabs in the ALP on N to E asps. At TL, 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. One in particular observed in the Boundary area in the Parkers region.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

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

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

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

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2017 4:00PM