Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 3rd, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Rupert Wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Westerly flow will bring moderate to strong SW winds to treeline. Temperatures will warm over the weekend and into next week with the freezing levels rising to treeline and above. Up to 10mm of precipitation may fall on Sunday evening in the Icefields area.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is shallow with rocks and vegetation presenting hazards. The early season conditions exist at treeline and above. There is no significant snow below 1,800m. At treeline snow depths are close to 60cm.Slab avalanche conditions exist on open wind loaded Northerly facing slopes at treeline and above. The mid / lower snowpack is supportive.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche observations have been limited to Northerly alpine features. Several size two and one larger size 2.5 were reported from the icerfields area during early November. These are mostly thought to be thin slabs or point releases from steep and unskiable terrain and of more concern to climbers than skiers.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

The mid and lower snowpack at treeline and above lack any widespread weaknesses. Near treeline and into the alpine strong south and westerly winds in early November have transported 20cm of new snow into a thin wind slab.

Be very cautious with gully features.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 4th, 2016 4:00PM