Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 10th, 2017 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.

Garth Lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Early season conditions exist with low snow cover and hidden hazards just lurking beneath the surface.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries is forecast for Saturday and Sunday with cloudy skies and -5 to -12 degrees Celsius. Snow fall amounts will increase slightly on Monday ranging from 10-20cm with slightly warmer temperatures. Forecasted snowfall amounts are not yet clear though and we expect to be on the lower end, which will not change the current danger rating.Â

Snowpack Summary

Field data is limited and its early season conditions. Below 1700m there is no significant snow. 2000m and above 30cm plus can be expected. Snow distribution varies with aspect, elevation, and wind exposure. Treeline and alpine gully features as well as some alpine slopes will be wind loaded. Rocks and timber is marginally covered.

Avalanche Summary

Jasper to Sunwapta station patrol observed nothing new. It is not uncommon at this time of year for climbers to trigger small avalanches from gully features. Even small rides over rocky terrain or cliffs can have serious consequences.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

This is an early winter avalanche problem that exists in isolated pockets where the snow has drifted into small wind slabs and the slope is steep enough to slide. Mainly a concern for ice climbers in steep gullies or walking above cliffs.

Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 11th, 2017 4:00PM