Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 12th, 2016 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cooler temperatures are helping to stabilize what was a spring like week. Careful snowpack evaluation remains key.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Through the weekend, freezing level will hover around 1300m. Expect -3 to -12, light SW winds, 5cm new snow Friday night followed by light flurries. Maybe more snow on Sunday night and more on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Temperatures are cooling helping to stabilize the snowpack from previous 3 days of warm temperatures. Slabs will persist at tree-line and above on North-Easterly aspects below ridge crests and cross-loaded terrain. The mid-pack is facetted, new snow interface is a concern along with a decomposed surface hoar down 40cm.

Avalanche Summary

No field patrol today but we suspect less natural activity today with cooler temperatures. Monday-Thursday's warm temperatures and sun induced afternoon natural avalanche creating numerous loose wet to sz 2 at lower elevations and some size 3 slabs in the alpine.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Previously formed slabs now comprise the upper and mid-pack in many locations. Natural and human triggered avalanches are possible.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 13th, 2016 4:00PM