Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2014 4:24PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Avalanche control work is planned along Highway 93 on Thursday, January 9th from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Travelers on Highway 93 north can expect delays of one to two hours at a time between Parker Ridge and just north of Saskatchewan Crossing.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A few flurries and light to moderate SW winds should do little to change the current avalanche hazard in the next 24 hours.. More snow and stronger winds are forecast for the end of the week and willÂ result in an increase in the hazard ratings.

Snowpack Summary

Last weekends storm snow overlies existing wind slabs which in many places has a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist. Our field team experienced extensive whumphing whilst out ski touring today.

Avalanche Summary

The natural cycle of avalanches has tapered off now but the lingering basal instability is still very much a factor as evidenced by the numerous avalanches triggered by Marmot ski patrol in their explosive control runs recently.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Storm snow and strong winds have overloaded the weak basal layers in several places and caused numerous large natural avalanches. Cornice fall, smaller slides, and skiers in shallow areas all have the ability to trigger deeper instabilities.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Avoid steep, open slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent storm snow and strong winds in the alpine have formed new windslabs at upper elevations which have the potential to step down and trigger large slides on the basal weakness.

Avoid ice climbs that are in terrain traps below large start zones.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

There is lots of new snow plastered to steep rock and ice terrain. With the expected warming trend (and solar effect) this week, expect this terrain to shed this snow.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2014 4:00PM