Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2012 4:56PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Snow accumulations will vary greatly across the forecast area. Pay attention to windloading if windspeeds increase into the moderate range in the afternoons.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snowfalls will continue through Tuesday in the icefields area with accumulations up to 30+cm. There will be less snow accumulations around the Jasper townsite.

Snowpack Summary

Hard test results were found at treeline on facets sandwiched between the two crusts in the icefields area. The crusts are deteriorating in this area. Windslabs continue as the main concern. Winds had shifted to more Southerly flows by late afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Poor visibility prevented any observations but an avalanche was heard in the Hilda creek area originating from steep unskiable alpine terrain which has a Northeasterly aspect.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

A natural avalanche was "heard" originating on steep unskiable terrain on a predominantly Northeasterly aspect in Hilda creek area. Pay particular attention to steep unsupported wind loaded slopes in the alpine.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A persistent facetted weakness can be found around a mid-pack crust. There is low likelihood of natural avalanches occurring on this layer but we are watching as each small system deposits more snow load.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2012 4:00PM