Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2019 4:00PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Recent warm days and cool nights have strengthened the mid and upper snowpack, but changes to the deep persistent weakness will be much slower. A conservative approach is still warranted.

Summary

Weather Forecast

An arctic front approaching from the NE brings the potential for upslope flurries Thursday. Followed by bands of precip embedded in a low this weekend, giving strong winds and rising temps.Thurs: Sun and cloud mix, light flurries. Alpine Low -15 C, High -8 C, light ridge wind.A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions vary thanks to the past weeks drought - a thin crust on steep solar aspects, 5-10mm surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind effect in exposed areas from moderate-strong SW winds. A generally strong mid snowpack overlies deep persistent weaknesses. Use caution in shallow areas where these deep weakness might be more reactive.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity has been observed or reported.Be a part of the Avalanche Forecasting team by reporting your field trip this weekend on Avalanche Canada's Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load. Build trust slowly in the snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 4

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs appear to bonding well to the snowpack below.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2019 4:00PM