Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 19th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

New low density snow came in with little wind leaving loose snow on ledges and in gullies. This will potentially impact climbers.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Seasonal temperatures with light flurries and no significant wind through the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of low density storm snow sits on top of a 10cm thick laminated crust at tree line, below the crust is 20-30cm of large grain snow to ground. Pockets of wind slab may exist in the alpine and resting on the crust up to 2600m. Below treeline is un-skiable due to lack of snow. Early season conditions exist at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Some loose dry activity noted on steep slopes on Friday along the Icefields Parkway. This could be an issue for ice climbers in the high alpine. (Most lower elevation ice climbs are not in shape).

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of wind slab below ridge line in the Alpine is buried by 20cm of recent storm snow.

Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Thin sluffs are possible in steep terrain.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 20th, 2016 4:00PM