Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2019 4:00PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Recent warm days and cool nights have strengthened the mid and upper snowpack, but changes to the deep persistent weakness will be much slower. A conservative approach is still warranted.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure which has brought inverted temperatures and fine weather is breaking down. Colder moist air is approaching, we will see the temperatures drop by Thursday.Wed: Mix of sun and cloud. No precip. Alpine High -3 C, light ridge wind, freezing level 1400m.A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps and solar input moistening steep south facing slopes. 5-10mm surface hoar is present in sheltered areas. Wind effect is visible in exposed areas from previous moderate-strong SW winds. A generally strong mid snowpack overlies deep persistent weakness. Use caution in shallow areas where these deep weakness might be more reactive.

Avalanche Summary

A team at the Icefields reported numerous small point release avalanches Monday from solar facing slopes near treeline. Be a part of the Avalanche Forecasting team by reporting your field trip this weekend on Avalanche Canada's Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load. Build trust slowly in the snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.

Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 4

Loose Wet

This problem will only exist in solar facing terrain from early afternoon until sundown.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.

Aspects: South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs appear to bonding well to the snowpack below.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2019 4:00PM