Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2016–Feb 21st, 2016

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Cool temperatures and minimal precipitation expected over the next few days. Be wary of big steep slopes in the alpine, particularly shallow areas with slab over facets. Human triggering is still possible.

Weather Forecast

Cooling trend through the weekend, with freezing levels dropping to 900m with good recovery overnight with lows of -15C. Clear skies through the weekend with light to moderate Southwest winds. No new snow on the horizon until Sunday night, with only light flurries amounting to less than 5cm.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds have built wind slab at tree-line and above. These slabs may be up to 40cm thick. The mid-pack consists of buried wind and persistent slab with a failure plane down 60cm that is producing mostly resistant planar results in tests. In the valley bottom the snowpack is weak and unconsolidated making for tough trail breaking.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs appear to be bonding well, however caution is still warranted in immediate lees and cross loaded terrain above treeline.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers of decomposed surface hoar, facets, and depth hoar can be found in many locations. Although these layers have been dormant lately, careful slope evaluation is essential. Be cautious of shallow areas with slab over facets.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes. If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3