Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2013 4:00PM

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

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Early season avalanche conditions exist. Start into the winter with a cautious approach.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wind and warming temperatures are expected through the weekend. Snow accumulations near the Columbia Icefield area may reach 10 cm by Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

A thin snowpack has been redistributed by recent winds. Observations from the roadside indicate there is a rain crust or temperature crust in the low alpine on north and east aspects. This has created a sliding surface for recent snows.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural slabs avalanches have been observed along the Icefield Parkway. Some of these are big (to size 3) and have propagated over hundreds of meters.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Many lee and cross loaded features have a soft slab condition. With the rising temperatures we expected to se continued natural avalanche occurrences.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2013 4:00PM