Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 14th, 2018 4:00PM

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

timothy johnson, Parks Canada

Jasper.

While incoming snow will improve the ski quality it will also increase the avalanche hazard. Keep in mind that early season hazards still lurk below the shallow snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Click here for the Avalanche Canada mountain weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

The Oct. 25th crust/facet combo remains the main concern. This layer is buried an average of 20 to 55cm, and is present on most slopes with sufficient snowpack for safe skiing - we expect this layer to linger for sometime. Forecasted snow and strong winds will add more load to this weak layer as well as create new windslabs at higher elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Last week the Oct 25th layer produced some large natural avalanches (up to size 2.5) throughout the Rockies from as far south as Kananaskis Country, north to Yoho, the Icefields, Jasper and Marmot Basin Ski Hill.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Best to assume all skiable slopes have this layer, and assess the strength of this interface before committing to a line. With forecasted snow values adding more load to the snowpack expect this weak layer to become more reactive through the storm.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Forecasted snow and strong winds will likely develop a reactive windslab through the weekend

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 15th, 2018 4:00PM