Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2015 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Recent snowfall appears to be bonding well to Dec3 layer, however with additional heavy snowfall over the next 48 hours, new storm slabs are expected and may be easy to trigger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued snow as a series of storms roll over the area. Expecting up to 40 cm accumulated by Wednesday night. Moderate to strong SW winds with mild temps. Freezing levels remaining consistent at around 1500m throughout the storm.

Snowpack Summary

25cm of new snow in past 72 hours appears to be bonding well to a breakable sun crust on steep solar aspects. On shady aspects the crust did not form, and the Dec3 surface hoar can be found in isolated sheltered locations at treeline. The snowpack is shallow and faceted below treeline, more supportive above 1900m. Extensive scouring in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity observed in the Maligne Valley area on Sunday or the Columbia Icefield area on Saturday.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Weather models indicating 40mm over the next 48 hours. This significant load will be accompanied by SW winds, leading to new slab formation on lee aspects. The Dec3 layer will be down 60cm if this snow arrives, and will warrant careful investigation.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2015 4:00PM