Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

100 cm of storm snow over the weekend is still very sensitive! Stick to low angle terrain and away from big slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow beginning Monday afternoon with 10 cm possible with light SW winds. Clearing and cooling on Tuesday and then very warm conditions into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Huge variation in the snowpack across the forecast region!! The Icefields Area received around 1 meter of snow since Friday while areas to the north received much less. Sensitive storm slab can be found on all aspects at treeline and above. Rain and freezing rain fell below treeline in most areas.

Avalanche Summary

The natural avalanche cycle continues with slides up to 2.5 involving the new storm snow. Avalanche control efforts along the Icefields Parkway produced large avalanches around Polar Circus.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Thick storm slabs can be found on all aspects at treeline and above.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid steep slopes below cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

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