Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 12th, 2017 4:00PM

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

william lawson, Parks Canada

Jasper.

A pulse of snow is expected Monday at higher elevations, anticipate wind slab formations as this system moves through the region.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A pulse of precipitation is expected Monday bringing in 20+cm of snow to the Columbia Icefields region with lesser amount further north. Freezing levels will be around 1700m as this storm hits and will drop to valley bottom as a cold air mass pushes the system through. Wind values will be at the threshold for snow transport through the day Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Below 1700m there is no significant snow. Above 2000m an early winter snowpack exists, snow depths range from 30 to 100+ cm depending on aspects and exposure to wind. A series of crusts have helped develop a supportive snowpack allowing for relatively good ski travel. The alpine snowpack is variable, with windslab as the main avalanche problem.

Avalanche Summary

Observed no new avalanche activity on highway 93N Sunday. Climbers should still remain vigilant as even triggering a small avalanche in a gully feature or above cliffs can have severe consequences.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expected wind slab formation with new snow and wind values on Monday. When traveling in the alpine take extra care in identify wind-drifted snow by observing sudden changes in the snow surface texture.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 13th, 2017 4:00PM