Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2013 4:00PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Increasing clouds for Thursday and some overnight snow flurries will occur into Friday with only light accumulations.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack is faceting and losing strength in shallow areas. Midpack is still generally supportive above treeline, with wind slabs in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the icefields area today. The number of loose snow avalanches has dropped due to the high overcast clouds reducing the solar affect. Some sloughing has occurred on high alpine rock slabs in steep unskiable terrain.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found above treeline in exposed terrain. These slabs are generally unreactive to skier traffic, although it is still possible to trigger a slab in steep unsupported terrain.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

High overcast clouds have decreased the loose snow avalanche activity. With increased sunny periods, this avalanche activity will occur in the afternoon. Consider the overhead snow hazard on the steep rocky terrain above when selecting your ice climb

Be very cautious with gully features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2013 4:00PM