Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2014 4:26PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

20cm of snow possible by Friday in the Columbia Icefield Area, winds South to South west in the light to moderate range, temps to remain cool. Pressure rising towards the weekend, producing clear skies and calm winds.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall is settling rapidly and overlies a supportive mid-pack. This interface is characterized by crust and facets and new slabs are touchy in specific terrain, particularly steep, lee aspects below ridge crests. Intense wind scouring in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Avalauncher control work on Parker Slabs produced several size 2 soft slab avalanches up to 50cm deep and 50m wide. No natural activity was observed along the Icefields Parkway.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The interface between rapidly settling storm snow and the previous surface is characterized by crust and facets and new slabs are touchy in specific terrain - particularly steep, lee aspects below ridge crests.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent Southwest winds have created new windslabs. Caution is warranted with crossloaded gully features.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2014 4:00PM