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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 11th, 2013–Dec 12th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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

Regions: Jasper.

Early season conditions exist, rocks and downed timber lurk just below the surface.

Weather Forecast

Cold and unsettled weather over the next 24 hours. Winds will be southerly and light in the valley with up to 10cm of new snow. Towards the weekend the temperatures will warm and significant snow is expected early next week.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Variable snowpack depths, particularly in the alpine, with pockets up to 1m deep. October's rain crust is sporadically distributed but forecasters are still investigating this condition. Recent North winds are loading South aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Patrol on Tuesday observed two avalanches 24 hours old. Size 2-2.5 at 2800m crossloaded SE to S aspect feature on what appears to be the Oct raincrust 40-50cm down. Suspect solar trigger.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Soft slabs exist in wind loaded areas. The failure layer is believed to be a rain crust near the base of the snowpack. Failures on this layer quickly step to ground and have been observed up to 2,800 meters this week.
Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong winds near ridge tops have loaded depressions and shallow terrain features with slab snow. Steep and unsupported terrain with terrain traps below are high risk areas.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2