Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 13th, 2014 4:12PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The weak basal facet layer could re-awaken with any significant loading.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Forecast of a few flurries and moderate to strong SW winds should maintain the current avalanche conditions.

Snowpack Summary

In the Icefields, winds are whipping up what little snow is available. Recent snowfall overlies a layer of small surface hoar and surface facets. A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over weak basal facets at tree line and above. Below treeline it is supportive mid-pack where 70cm HS.

Avalanche Summary

Some loose snow slides observed out of steep terrain in the alpine (size 1.5).

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Thursday

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow with variable wind directions and speeds have translated to wind loaded pockets of storm slab potentially overlying weak surface facets. Loose avalanches are also possible.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Bridging above this layer makes it stubborn to initiate; however, it will be big when it goes. A sudden warming, large additional snowload, large triggers, or surface avalanches may tip the scale. Be aware of thin locations as likely trigger spots.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 14th, 2014 4:00PM