Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2015 4:02PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Ski conditions are improving as we get steady light snowfall over the next 2 days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow! We expect steady light snowfall over the next couple of days reaching a maximum intensity on Tuesday night and clearing on Wednesday. Total amount from this storm in the 15-20cm range. Temps will remain mild and cool and freezing levels will top out at 1150m. Winds light to moderate from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks's warm temperatures and rain followed by cooler temps have produced a widespread crust up to 2400m on all aspects. Higher elevations are characterized by previous wind affected surfaces in exposed areas and wind slabs on lee aspects. 15-20 cm of storm snow is now sitting over this crust and this will increase throughout the storm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today by field teams in the Columbia Icefield area and from the lands adjacent to Marmot Basin. Visibility was very poor due to cloudy conditions and snowfall.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

The interface between storm snow and the melt-freeze crust from the recent warm temperatures warrants investigation. Touchy conditions should be expected in steep terrain, on all aspects below 2400m.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded featuresUse caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads such as cornices or from shallow areas by skiers. Explosive control work yielded big results at Marmot on Saturday on this interface.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Avoid steep slopes below cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2015 4:00PM