Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2017 5:24PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The Icefields Parkway and Maligne Lake Road remain closed until winds ease to allow for helicopter avalanche control of alpine slide paths. Good time to make some laps at the ski hill.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Strong SW winds to continue on Sunday with light flurries possible. The wind finally abates on Monday with clearing skies and warming temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of recent snow is building windslab at treeline and above with continued strong SW winds. A reactive storm slab can be found at all elevations and aspects. The upper snow pack has several touchy surface hoar and facet layers which are now buried 40-50cm and 60-80cm. The mid-pack is facetted and weak, with depth hoar at its base

Avalanche Summary

The avalanche cycle is continuing in the alpine with natural avalanches observed to Sz 2.5 on alpine lee. Avalanche control revealed the potential for wide windslab propagation.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds building windslab with recent storm snow. Avalanche cycle continues on alpine lee slopes.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Storm Slabs

30-40cm of storm snow has formed a touchy storm slab.

Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches initiated within the storm snow may step down to deeper layers and in some cases gouging to ground in thin snowpack areas.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2017 4:00PM