Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 17th, 2015 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Icefields has received 35cm since this morning. Another 20-30 may arrive tonight. Highway 93 and Maligne lake road closed until further notice.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A continuing storm may bring up to another 30cm Tuesday night with moderate Westerly winds. Highway 93 and Maligne lake road is closed.

Snowpack Summary

Snow depths are variable between 70 to 140 cm observed in the Icefields. Generally unsupportive below treeline and improving at you approach TL and above. Moderate to strong ridge top winds have created soft slabs on top of a weak unconsolidated early season snowpack particularly on lee aspects. Threshold values have been reached on many slopes.

Avalanche Summary

Visibility on Tuesday was limited due to blizzard conditions but expect natural activity. Previous field observations have found a very extensive storm cycle on all aspects between 2200 to 3200m ranging from size 2 to 3 running on ground to mid-path. Most recently, 3 significant events on Mt Amery area (just north of Sask River crossing).

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Between 85 - 135cm of storm snow between Nov. 12th and 17th storm in the icefields area has fallen on a shallow early season older snowpack of facets, crusts and possibly surface hoar. Winds continue to develop new stormslabs.

Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Expect point releases from cliffs and steep smooth surfaces. This amount of new snow sluffing can build enough mass to bury a person.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 18th, 2015 4:00PM