Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2013 4:00PM

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

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Some new snow is on the way. This will surely overload deep persistent slab and basal weakness. Conservative route selection and avoidance of big terrain in the alpine is advised. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow and cooling temperatures are expected in the Icefields area. Localized areas may see up to 20 cms.

Snowpack Summary

No significant precipitation over the last week (1mm in past 72 hours / 5mm past 7 days). Snowpack is generally shallow, weak, with a variably distributed deep persistent slab overlying weak basal layers of depth hoar, crusts, and/or facets. A steady southwest flow has created pockets of windslab in exposed areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

1 new natural slab avalanche observed today in the alpine on a Southwest aspect - size 2. Likely ran on basal weakness. Numerous natural slab avalanches to size 2.5 observed in the past week, primarily on cross loaded gully features in the alpine.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Expect this layer to get overloaded if forecast snowfall amounts materialize.

Avoid steep, open slopes.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow and winds will contribute to wind slab development.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be careful with wind loaded pockets. Be aware of wide variation in snowpack depth

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2013 4:00PM