Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2017 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The days are getting longer but colder. Watch from frost bite particulary on Saturday when winds pickup.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure and cold arctic air will be here tomorrow. Friday will be sunny, no precipitation, a high of -18C and a low of -20C, generally light Northerly winds. Saturday will be much the same as Friday except for some gusting Northerly winds at ridgetops.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine the snowpack surface has been tortured into a contortion of sastrugi making for ugly skiing. Recent moderate SW winds have formed isolated pockets of windslab in exposed areas at upper elevations. Below is an old snow interface of facets, crust and surface hoar. Several other noticeable crusts lie dormant deeper in the pack.

Avalanche Summary

No patrol occurred Thursday and nothing reported.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

There has been very little new snow since the end of November (15cm). This drought interface, down 10cm, is the layer of concern. Remain vigilant by avoiding small pockets of windslab particularly at upper elevation ridge tops.

Use caution above ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best skiing today.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2017 4:00PM