Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2012 4:00PM

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

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

While the likelihood of skier triggering is relatively low we have observed several large, high consequence avalanches on steep unsupported alpine slopes. Don't let the sunny skies cloud your judgement.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Warm temperatures and solar radiation have lead to the re-awakening of two instabilities. Recent wind slabs and the early season basal facet layer have produced a few large, high consequence avalanches on steep unsupported alpine features.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

The majority of the previous windslabs are bonding well, but there is still the potential to trigger isolated slabs in steep, wind loaded areas in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Large temperature swings from -28 at night to plus 2 during the day has put us in an early melt freeze cycle on south aspect slopes. There has also been a significant temperature inversion. Ice climbers pay particular attention to these patterns.

Aspects: North.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2012 4:00PM