Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2016 4:00PM

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

mark herbison, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Climbers be aware of the potential for loose dry avalanches from steep, rocky terrain and gully features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Alpine low of -25 overnight with a daytime high of -18. Thin low level cloud to persist for most of the day with clear skies above. Moderate Northwest winds until Wednesday evening. Slight warming trend toward the end of the week, with mainly clear skies.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing moderate Northwest winds redistributing cold snow, soft slab formation possible on lee features. Arctic cold temps have penetrated the shallow snowpack and are promoting facetting. Nov12 crust down 45 to 90cm and found between 2100-2600m on all aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose dry avalanches on Westerly aspects up to Size 2 in Alpine terrain observed along the Icefields Parkway today. Recent shift of winds to the Northwest seem to have been the trigger for these events.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Dry

Cold temps promoting facetting of upper snow pack. Expect loose dry avalanches from steep terrain.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Nov crust is down 40-90cm and is beginning to facet out, lose strength and cohesion. There has been recent activity on this layer and requires respect.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.The stable avalanche conditions still require careful decision making.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

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