Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2013 5:12PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Highway 93 will be closed from Parkers ridge to Saskatchewan crossing from 11am to 4pm for explosive control work. Moderate confidence of opening as depends on results. Polar Circus and Weeping Wall closed to climbers Friday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Friday: Sun and cold, no new snow. Saturday: Sun and cold, no new snow.Sunday: mixed clouds, no new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of low density storm snow fell on Wednesday. Below tree line, it sits on a thin facetted snowpack. In sheltered tree line areas this new snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack. In wind exposed tree line and alpine areas, a 30-50 cm deep soft wind slab has formed on a variety of aspects and buried a surface hoar layer from Jan 6.

Avalanche Summary

Thursday's explosive control on low elevation targets released several size 2 slabs and loose snow avalanches. Natural activity was limited. It appears wind still needs to firm up the snow into a slab. A few size 2 naturals were noted releasing out of steep rocky terrain. Some running a fair distance. They started in the storm snow.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Storm Slabs

30-50 cm thick soft wind slabs have formed on lee slopes with 30 cm of storm snow and moderate gusty variable alpine winds.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

30 cm of storm low density snow sits over unconsolidated facets mainly at lower elevations. Avalanches of this nature pick up enough mass to be a concern.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2013 4:00PM