Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 18th, 2017 4:00PM

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

william lawson, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Monitor Sunday's storm for snow amounts increasing the hazard through the day. Plan your travels accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

20-40cm of storm snow will arrive Sunday afternoon into Monday morning with strong SW winds and -6 to -11. The storm will clear Monday followed by another 20cm storm on Tuesday night.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds is affecting exposed slopes and ridge tops in the alpine the last 24 hours creating windslabs. Generally a strong, and supportive early winter snowpack exists with depths ranging from 30 to 100+ cm depending on aspect and exposure to wind. The snowpack will change with incoming storm Sunday.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural activity reported from a field team on Saturday. Climbers should still remain vigilant as even triggering a small avalanche in a gully feature or above cliffs can have severe consequences. Expect increased likelihood of avalanches with incoming storm on Sunday.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Hazard will increase during the day on Sunday as loading of storm snow arrives. Exact snow amounts are uncertain.

Use caution when traveling in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow will form touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Reactive wind slab, 20-30cm deep predominately on exposed alpine and treeline features. Human triggering possible.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 19th, 2017 4:00PM