Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2014 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Great skiing can be found in sheltered areas. A weak sun crust will be found on true solar aspects. Be aware, there is a significant temperature inversion in place and it could be considerably warmer on any overhead slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

If it won't snow we might as well keep the stunning forecast we are expecting! Wednesday is expected to be the warmest day as temperatures are expected to reach to -12 degrees with little wind. Be aware that the valley bottom temperatures are considerably colder than upper elevation temperatures with the continued strong temperature inversion.

Snowpack Summary

Anywhere from 30cm to 45cm depending on loading aspect over a combo facet-decomposing surface hoar layer. This is most prevalent at tree line and into the lower elevations. Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets-depth hoar. Alpine is a variety of layers but generally all well bridged.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches were observed or reported. Visibility was excellent under blue skies.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Evaluate ridge top transitions where winds have buffed the surface into a slab. It rests on this suspect layer 30cm to 45cm down.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The strong mid-pack is bridging the layer well through the forecast area. Its spatial variability over the terrain does make it difficult to predict and snowpack tests show it to be very weak. Be careful in shallow start zones.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2014 4:00PM