Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2015 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 Deep Persistent Slabs.

barb sharp, Parks Canada

Jasper.

High snowfall with strong winds and warm temperatures are expected on Friday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow is forecasted for the region beginning on Thursday. The intensity of snow will increase on Friday and then taper off Saturday.Â Up to 40cm is expected. Along with the snow, temperatures will rise and winds will increase, from the southwest.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar developed overnight. 5-20cm of new snow sits on the rain crust that formed last week.Â The rain crust can be found on all aspects up to 2100m. Wind slabs can be found on lee aspects and cross loaded features in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed along the Icefields Parkway today.Â Good visibility.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs have developed on lee and cross loaded features at alpine elevations.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads such as cornices, surface slides or from shallow areas by skiers. The entire snowpack throughout the forecast region is sitting on 20cm of depth hoar.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2015 4:00PM