Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2016 4:00PM

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

mark herbison, Parks Canada

Jasper.

If you decided to get out and face the arctic cold, bring an extra puffy coat... or three.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Very cold (high of -25), light winds and clear skies.

Snowpack Summary

Previous storm snow remains soft in protected areas and provides great skiing/riding. Expect to find wind slab in open areas above tree line. The Nov 12 crust is down 45-90cm and can be found between 2100-2600m on all aspects. Facet development is occurring above and below this crust.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous Sz 1 loose dry avalanches, all aspects and elevations. Two Sz 2 avalanches; natural cornice fall triggered a thin slab on a NE aspect, the other was a cross loaded feature on a W aspect, both occurring in alpine terrain. Cold temps and lack of wind will begin faceting of the upper snowpack, expect loose dry avalanches in steep terrain.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Found mainly on open lee slopes and cross-loaded gullies. At lower elevations use caution on classic trouble spots like moraine features and larger open slopes with convexities.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Cold temps promoting facetting of upper snow pack. Expect loose dry avalanches from steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2016 4:00PM