Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2015 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Good skiing to be found in sheltered areas TL and below!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sighhhhhhh! No new snow expected for the foreseeable future. A very stable weather system is upon us for Monday. Broken skies, cold temps. Get out there and enjoy the great skiing in the sheltered areas.

Snowpack Summary

The Dec 20 facet/surface hoar layer that was proving very sensitive appears to be bonding exceptionally well to the crust below. Field team was in the Churchill slide paths and found the interface down 25cm and did not get any results to tests or ski cuts on steep terrain at TL and below. We found significant wind slab in open areas TL and above.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed. Some collapses within the snow pack felt while touring up through the trees with no observable cracking.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Stiff wind slabs observed in open areas at TL and above. These are sitting on a weak facetted bond will slide with skiers weight. Consider the consequences and chose your adventure carefully.

Due to the lack of snowcover, patches of windslab will stand out and be easy to recognize.Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This weak layer exists below a variable mid-pack at treeline and sub-alpine elevations. Large loads such as a cornice collapse or surface slides could still possibly trigger this deep persistent weakness.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2015 4:00PM