Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2014 4:05PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Although natural avalanches are unlikely right now, human triggered avalanches are still possible. Be cautious around shallow areas in big terrain, where the consequence of triggering an avalanche would be serious.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The drought continues with warm day time temperatures and light westerly winds. Colder air pushes in on Sunday which will reduce the impact of the sun on the snow.

Snowpack Summary

Shallow and weak snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Midpack hard slabs provide bridging above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring at upper elevations. Surface hoar growth observed in the last few days up to size 5mm below treeline and up to size 3mm above treeline.

Avalanche Summary

Field patrols observed three size 1.5 to size 2 slabs on solar aspects in the alpine that had released in the last 24 to 48 hours.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural activity has tapered off on this layer, but it is still possible to trigger big avalanches in shallow locations.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Be aware of solar warming which could trigger a slide on this layer which in turn may step down and release the basal weakness.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 25th, 2014 4:00PM