Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2014 4:00PM

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

Max Darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow is forecasted to arrive on Thursday and continue through the weekend, but total snowfall amount is predicted to be less than 10cm. Light winds and seasonal temperatures will continue.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread surface hoar to size 10mm. A strong mid-pack overlies approximately 20-40cm of facets. Isolated wind slabs still exist in open areas at tree line and alpine elevations. The interface between the mid-pack and facets is most susceptible to human triggering from shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today, but there is evidence of large deep slides in wind loaded features that have released in the last cycle.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

These deep persistent slabs at tree line and sheltered alpine slopes may be triggered from shallow areas within the snowpack.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Approach loaded, cross-loaded and re-loaded lee features with caution.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2014 4:00PM