Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2015 4:01PM

The alpine rating is extreme, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The avalanche hazard is Extreme. The Maligne Road and Icefields Parkway are closed.

Summary

Weather Forecast

An additional 30 mm of precipitation expected through Saturday with continued strong South winds. Storm will tapper on Sunday with continued light precipitation on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

40 to 60 cm of storm snow has fallen with rain at lower elevations. This new snow is sitting on surface hoar and/or Jan rain crust. Strong S winds are forming slabs on all lee aspects, cross loaded features and open areas.

Avalanche Summary

Currently experiencing an avalanche cycle at all elevations.

Confidence

on Saturday

Problems

Storm Slabs

The Jan 30th interface has proven reactive with light inputs of new snow. This new storm will only continue to overload that layer. Also, treat recently re-loaded bed surfaces with caution as this layer will not go away easily.

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads such as cornices, surface slides or from shallow areas by skiers. The entire snowpack throughout the forecast region is sitting on 20cm of depth hoar.

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2015 4:00PM