Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2014 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Very cold temperatures will continue. Cold related injuries like frostbite are a serious concern.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Very cold clear weather to continue through the weekend. A system coming in on Monday/Tuesday will moderate temperatures and bring some much needed snow.

Snowpack Summary

Surface facetting due to extremely cold temps. Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Recent settlement below tree line has greatly improved travel. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche patrol today.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is well bridged by a strong mid and upper snowpack but could still be triggered from shallow or rocky terrain or by a large load.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong northerly winds from a few days ago redistributed snow into isolated pockets of wind slab at alpine elevations.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2014 4:00PM