Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 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.

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to big lines. Watch for unstable snow on isolated features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunday will be flurries, seasonal temperatures, and potentially strong alpine SW winds with light to moderate speeds at lower elevations. Monday may bring up to 10cm of snow and diminished winds locally to the Icefields. Precipitation amounts are uncertain and low confidence for Monday. Tuesday will be sunny, cooler temperatures, and light winds.Â

Snowpack Summary

Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine and treeline locations. A solid midpack bridges weak basal depth hoar. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations. Surface conditions range from dust on crust, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the odd pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns, ending with wallowing below treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity was noted on Saturday's patrol. Its been a while since significant avalanche activity has been observed. Don't let your guard down as allot of variability exists across the landscape.Â

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

February 16th 20cm of snow evolved into a variable thickness windslab. It sits on a variety of surfaces and aspects. Will be found wind-pressed and thinner on windward aspects and thicker and denser on lee aspects. Overall its firm and supportive.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2013 4:00PM