Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2014 4:00PM

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

Rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Avalanche control work is planned along Highway 93 on Thursday, January 9th from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Travelers on Highway 93 north can expect delays of one to two hours at a time between Parker Ridge and just north of Saskatchewan Crossing.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A moist southwesterly air flow will bring snow flurries and warming temperatures into the weekend with daytime highs on thursday and friday of +2 in the townsite area. In the Columbia Icefields area, winds are expected to pickup into the weekend along with snowfall amounts.

Snowpack Summary

Last weekend's storm snow overlies older wind slabs. In the alpine this newer snow has itself be blown into storm slabs which shear with easy to moderate force. The base of the snowpack is weak and unstable at all elevations. Near treeline the midpack is supportive and untracked powder can be found in wind sheltered locations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported in the past 72 hour. Increased loading with new snow and or wind will renew avalanche activity at treeline and above with full depth releases anticipated.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Many avalanche paths have already slid in the 2,400 m - 2,800 m range. Slopes that have not failed are expected to fail with the increased snow loading and winds this weekend.

Avoid steep, open slopes.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

The upper snowpack is a stratified layer of multiple windslabs. Recent field tests have produced failures with moderate shear strength. Currently this condition is less prevalent at treeline. Forecasted snowfall and wind will increase this concern.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid ice climbs that are in terrain traps below large start zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2014 4:00PM