Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2013 4:00PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Expect to see cold clear skies over the next two days which may produce some surface hoar development.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Forecasted snow volume has been reduced to just 5 - 10cm in the icefields area. A ridge will move through the area midweek bringing cooler temperatures and sunny skies. Another system is expected to come in towards the weekend and will hopefully bring some snow.

Snowpack Summary

Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity was noted on a patrol from town to Medicine lake in the Maligne valley. Snowfall that was expected overnight on Sunday and then through to Tuesday has been reduced to light snowÂ flurries. It has been a while since any significant avalanche activity occurred.Â

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expected snowfall has been reduced to light snow flurries redistributed to Easterly aspects by light to moderate Westerly winds. This just adds another thin windslab over previous hard and soft windslabs on lee sides of terrain features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2013 4:00PM