Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2014 4:00PM

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.

max darrah, 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

Mild temperatures through to the end of the week, freezing level to 2000m on Friday. Winds to remain light from the West. No new precipitation expected until the middle of next week. Partly cloudy skies, clearing towards the weekend.

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

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Cross loaded gullies may be the most attractive after the intense wind scouring in the alpine, but careful evaluation is essential to check for the presence of reactive windslabs.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2014 4:00PM