Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Allow the storm snow to settle and bond for a few days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

10-25cm is expected tonight with warm temperatures and potentially rain at lower elevations. Winds will be moderate to strong SW then taper off after the storm. Freezing levels will be around 2000m during the storm then drop Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

30cm of snow since the 5th and another 10-25cm arriving tonight coming in warm. It appears to be bonding well to a previous breakable sun crust on steep solar aspects. The Dec3 surface hoar can be found in isolated sheltered locations at treeline. The snowpack is shallow and faceted below treeline, more supportive above 1900m.

Avalanche Summary

The Icefields was described as driving through pea soup thus visibility was poor. Expect some natural activity in the alpine with this storms input.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Storm Slabs

30 cm since Dec 5th and another 10-25 cm tonight accompanied by SW winds leading to storm slab formation. The Dec3 surface hoar layer will be down 60cm if this snow arrives. It warrants careful investigation.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

A warm storm may translate to rain at lower elevations on an already warm snowpack. Loose wet condition is possible but will be short lived as freezing levels drop.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2015 4:00PM