Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2014 4:00PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

No significant change expected due to light winds, seasonal temperatures and no snow forecasted. Surface hoar is developing and may become the next weak layer in the snowpack once buried.

Snowpack Summary

A strong mid-pack overlies approximately 20-40cm of facets. Compression tests have produced variable hard results at the interface between the mid-pack and facets near the ground. Isolated wind slabs still exist in open areas at tree line and alpine elevations. The deeper instabilities are most susceptible to human triggering from shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

Natural activity has slowed down but there is plenty of evidence of large deep slides in wind loaded features that have released in the last cycle.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Wednesday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

These deep persistent slabs at tree line and sheltered alpine slopes may be triggered from shallow areas within the snowpack.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Approach loaded, cross-loaded and re-loaded lee features with caution.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2014 4:00PM