Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2014 4:08PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Weather is promising but you need to make careful evaluation of any slopes and features you venture into!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cooling temps, dropping freezing levels increased pressure, broken skies, sunshine and new, settling storm snow equal a great day to go riding!

Snowpack Summary

Overnight storm produced variable snowfall amounts through the forecast area. Up to 40cms at Marmot Basin tampering to 12cm at Hilda/Parkers. Touchy conditions still exist in isolated areas at treeline and sub alpine elevations in cross-loaded and lee features. The facet crust layers near the base of the snowpack susceptible to human triggering.

Avalanche Summary

Several avalanches up to sz 2.5 was observed in the field today. Control results at Marmot produced a very large size 3.5 that went full depth wall to wall in Charlie's Bowl! Several other large natural avalanches were also reported around the ski hill on wind loaded alpine slopes.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs at treeline and sheltered sub-alpine slopes are starting to get overloaded by new snow and wind loading.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Continued wind loading has produced very touchy wind slabs on lee and cross loaded features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2014 4:00PM