Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2017 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Ice climbing conditions are the best in years. You will need to travel to the BC interior for good skiing. No change expected until significant change in weather.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Warming daytime temperatures into the weekend with light flurries possible on Sunday (rain showers in valley bottom). The forecasted weather will have little effect on the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack is very unpredictable. Shallow wind slabs are weakening and failing on solar aspects in the alpine. Exposed features treeline and above have been scoured to ground. Settling and distribution of previous storm snow overlies facets and basal weakness.

Avalanche Summary

Large slab avalanches to size 3 on open solar aspects in the alpine.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Big open alpine features, especially with a solar aspect, should be avoided. Recent natural avalanche activity on these slopes is expected to continue.

Minimize exposure to steep, planer south facing Alpine slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak lower snowpack is susceptible to triggering.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2017 4:00PM