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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2016–Feb 10th, 2016
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Crazy warm temperatures on Tuesday. Give the snowpack a couple days to adjust. The cooling trend will help to stabilize.

Weather Forecast

Now until Friday, freezing level will hover around 1800m, temperatures will be seasonal -3 to -6 with good overnight freeze Tuesday night. Expect freeze thaw conditions. Mixed clouds and trace of snow rest of the week. 

Snowpack Summary

Tuesday's warm temperatures softened alpine surface snow and weakened lower elevations snowpack making for moist/wet conditions. Slabs will persist at tree-line and above on North-Easterly aspects below ridge crests and cross-loaded terrain. The mid-pack is facetted, new snow interface is a concern along with a decomposed surface hoar down 40cm.

Avalanche Summary

Warm temperatures induced a natural avalanche cycle on Tuesday late afternoon. Size 3's noted in the alpine and size 2's at lower elevations. Highway 93 was subsequently closed in the late afternoon.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Previously formed slabs now comprise the upper and mid-pack in many locations. They can rest on weak facets.
Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Windslabs will persist on lee aspects and crossloaded features. Triggering one has potential to initiate a deep release. May be pockets of decomposed surface hoar lurking 30-60cm down.
Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3