Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2018 4:00PM

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

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Jasper.

With new snow and wind, assess the strength of the snowpack before committing to skiing.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A small storm in forecast to arrive Thursday morning bringing 8-10cm of snow and moderate SW winds. Daytime treeline temperatures will hover around -5C. Click here for the Avalanche Canada mountain weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10cm of snow and moderate SW winds forecast starting Thursday morning. The Oct 25 crust is 2-4cm thick and down 60 to 80cm with facets above and below it. Hard sudden collapse failures have been observed immediately below this crust in test profiles. Early season hazards lurking beneath the shallow snowpack remain a concern.

Avalanche Summary

Dry loose snow avalanches up to size 2 were observed over the weekend from steep solar terrain in the alpine.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Assume all skiable slopes have this crust, and assess the strength of the interface before jumping into any committing lines.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

New snow and wind will create windslab in lee features.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2018 4:00PM