Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 13th, 2014–Feb 14th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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.

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

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

Avalanche 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