Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2013 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 Persistent Slabs.

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Early season hazards exist just under the surface. Winds have gusted into 90km/hr range.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Winds will continue to gust strong until Tuesday evening. Snowfall will range from 5-15cm in next few days and temperatures will cool later in week.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine. Alpine is a mosaic of scoured ground and wind-loaded gully features on lee aspects. Strong gusting winds are constantly changing directions. Expect windslab development in unusual locations. Oct 27 Raincrust exists near bottom of snowpack with Facets above and below.

Avalanche Summary

Size 2.5 off Mt. Tangle observed Sunday afternoon on NE aspect in a steep alpine gully at ridgetop.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have been strong adding to this condition. Expect unusual locations for wind-slab development.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Initiating upper wind-slab layer has potential to step down deeper to this basal layer.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2013 4:00PM