Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 20th, 2018 4:00PM

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

william lawson, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Snowpack information for the high alpine is scarce, take a cautious approach and use a thorough assessment process if you venture into this terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The current ridge of high pressure will hold until late Wednesday when a westerly flow will move in bringing light precip to the forecast region. Ridge winds will stay in the moderate range and treeline temperatures will fluctuate between -8 and 0. Click here for the Avalanche Canada mountain weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds have scoured ridges to bare rock in many places in the alpine. The Oct 25 crust is 2-4cm thick and down 60 to 80cm with facets above and below it. Hard sudden collapse failures have been observed immediately below this crust in test profiles. Early season hazards lurking beneath the shallow snowpack remain a concern.

Avalanche Summary

Dry loose snow avalanches up to size 2 were observed over the weekend from steep solar terrain in the alpine.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Assume all skiable slopes have this crust, and assess the strength of the interface before jumping into any committing lines.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 21st, 2018 4:00PM