Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2020 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Be cautious and assess each slope you ski. The Icefields zone received 60cm of snow in a very short period.

All signs are pointing toward an improving hazard but most slopes are untested.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Status Quo for weather in the forecast region expected over the weekend. So what does that mean? Seasonal temperatures (-15 to -5), cooling with elevation. Light to moderate SW winds. Scattered clouds in the morning, increasing with some light convention in the afternoon.

See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Up to 50 cm of snow fell during last weeks storm in the forecast region. Previous mid-pack bridging over deeper instabilities is supporting the new load over the basal facets and depth hoar. This new load and bridging has still not been significantly field tested, treat the snowpack with caution.

Avalanche Summary

Good visibility for southern road patrol showed limited activity. Notably, large windslab avalanches (sz 2.5 - 3.0) were noted on NE aspects from steep, rocky features on both Mts. Athabasca and Cromwell in the Icefields Region.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

New and developing wind slabs in the forecast region. Slab sensitivity will vary; with potentially wide variations over a small area. Assess each slope independently.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Wind loading and cornice development could trigger large avalanches running far and fast.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2020 4:00PM