Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2017 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

An upslope storm will persist through the weekend. Already sensitive slopes will be reverse loading with moderate NE winds. Best to wait for storm to pass before committing to any big objectives.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow is expected to continue through the weekend with moderate NE winds and cold temperatures. We could possibly get 15 cm by Monday.

Snowpack Summary

New snow on the way will be reverse loading lee slopes with moderate NE winds. Surface faceting and surface hoar will be buried creating a second weak interface in the upper snowpack. Poor bonding between these layers is expected. Below is a weak and faceted mid-pack with depth hoar to ground.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations or reports today.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow is reverse loading on weak surface facets or surface hoar. These new slabs will bond poorly. Last week's slab from M to S winds are still suspect. Big open features and cross-loaded gulleys should be avoided until storm passes.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by an upslope storm.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Faceted snow on ledges and above ice climbs can be easily triggered and can grow quickly by entraining surrounding snow especially in gulley features.

Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2017 4:00PM