Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada Jasper Snow Safety, Parks Canada

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Good skiing can be found in the Parkers Ridge area where its not wind affected. Be vigilant for rocks just under the snow surface.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries the next few days with temps ranging from - 5 to -15 and light westerly winds.

For More details: Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

The top 30cm remains unconsolidated except where exposed to wind where soft slabs have been formed. The snow depth is variable at all elevations. There is a crust/facet layer distributed through the region in the mid-pack with mixed reactivity and a weak basal facet/depth hoar layer at the base of the pack.

Avalanche Summary

Field day to Parkers Ridge area. Several loose dry up to size 2 were noted out of steep, rocky solar terrain. The visibility was good and nothing else was observed.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are present on lee slopes and cross-loaded features

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Isolated to very specific sheltered locations at treeline.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Specific to steep terrain. Ice climbers should pay particular attention to this as entrenched loose snow may have the volume to knock climbers off their stance.

  • Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2019 4:00PM