Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2013 4:00PM

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

A.L. Horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Little change in weather and snowpack this weekend. Cornice failure is a concern although we have not seen evidence as of yet. Stay well back from corniced ridge lines.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The weather on Sunday will be cloudy with snow flurries throughout the day producing light accumulation (5-10 cm).Â Winds will be moderate to strong from the West and temperatures will be seasonable.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is faceting and losing strength especially in shallow areas.Â At tree line and above, the mid-pack is generally supportive where the snow depth is greater than a meter.Â Wind slabs are present in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche patrols were conducted on both the Maligne Road and the Icefields Parkway.Â No new avalanches were observed.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found above tree line in exposed terrain. These slabs have been unreactive to skier traffic, however, it is still possible to trigger a slab in steep unsupported terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Loose snow avalanches are likely on steep thin slopes and in gulley features.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2013 4:00PM