Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2015 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 Persistent Slabs.

Max Darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Alpine temperatures remaining fairly consistent around -10C, with a steady moderate Southwest wind. 10cm of new snow expected by Tuesday. Freezing levels remain below 1000m.

Snowpack Summary

Generally supportive and well settled snowpack above 1700m. Recent wind affect in the alpine has created thin windslabs in the past 24 hours. Dec 3 interface down 60cm appears to be bonding well.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Steady Southwest winds and light precipitation expected to build new soft slabs in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec3 layer down 60cm has not been associated with any observed natural activity nor has it proven to be reactive to skier traffic. Further cooling temperatures and the consistently supportive mid-pack helping increase confidence in this layer.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2015 4:00PM