Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2015 4:00PM

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

barb sharp, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Be careful approaching lee and cross loaded features. Wind slabs continue to develop with new snow and south west winds.

Summary

Weather Forecast

2-4 cm of snow is expected in the north of the forecast region, with up to 10 cm forecast for the Columbia Icefields area. Light to moderate south west winds will continue. Temperatures are forecasted to drop slightly.

Snowpack Summary

6 cm of new snow in the Columbia Icefields area overlies a highly variable snowpack. Moderate westerly ridge top winds are redistributing snow and wind slabs continue to develop on north through east aspects.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 avalanche observed in the south of the forecast region. No other avalanches observed in the rest of the forecast area.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate south west winds continue to redistribute snow and wind slabs are developing on lee aspects and cross loaded features.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The weak layer of surface hoar and facets from December can still be found and may become susceptible to triggering with more snow loading.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2015 4:00PM