Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2014 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada garth lemke, Parks Canada

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Jasper.

If precipitation amounts exceed expectations on Tuesday and Wednesday, hazard rating will incrementally increase especially with winds.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Weather models are not agreeing with precipitation amounts this week. Some say a trace Monday to Wednesday while others say 15cm on Monday, 15-20 on Tuesday, and 10-15 on Wednesday. Maybe locally at the Icefields. I expect lesser precipitation amounts for our region as the variables don't appear to be lining up. 

Snowpack Summary

Surface facetting and surface hoar continues to form with the cold temps. A Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Below treeline where the snowpack exceeds 70cm, it has a supportive mid-pack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported Sunday. An avalanche patrol down Highway 93 on Friday observed several size 1.5 slab avalanches in the alpine on reverse loaded features likely from the previous three days. Similar observations were seen in the Maligne valley as well. No patrol occurred on Saturday.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
This layer may become reactive if there is a sudden temperature warming through the day. 
Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2014 4:00PM

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