Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2018 4:17PM

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

Max Darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Main concern is for weak, unconsolidated snow on steep rocky features as well as areas in the alpine where a small sluff can build mass.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Stable mild temperatures, freezing levels creeping up to treeline, pressure dropping towards the weekend, bringing moderate SW winds and light snowfall up to 10cm (over 72 hours).

Snowpack Summary

Multiple crusts still present, hiding below weak and faceted snow. Isolated pockets of wind slab above treeline. The midpack is generally supportive and treeline and into the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated small loose snow avalanches occurred in steep alpine terrain with today's warming temps. Some larger sluffs triggered by skiers up to size 1.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Loose Dry

Main concern is for weak, unconsolidated snow on steep rocky features as well as areas in the alpine where a small sluff can build mass.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Be aware of steep gully features that may be loaded enough to release a small slab.

Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.