Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2013 4:05PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Should the system on Friday, hit us directly, the strong winds, warm temperatures and snowfall could increase the avalanche danger in the Alpine and at treeline.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A narrow, warm system carrying a lot of moisture is expected to move through BC and enter the Rockies sometime Thursday night or Friday.Â It will bring strong winds and warmer temperatures. The tracking of this system is uncertain and even a small direction change will be the difference between a good snowfall or only light flurries.

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs are found at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche patrol along Highway 93 from Jasper to Saskatchewan river crossing and return to Jasper produced no new avalanches observations. Some clouds obscured the upper alpine around the crossing.

Confidence

Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

The snow surface consisting of earlier windslabs may be covered by light snow accumulations. This does not add any real load to the snowpack. However, more snow is expected for the weekend.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2013 4:00PM