Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2017 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Good skiing exists in sheltered areas near treeline.

Summary

Weather Forecast

As the week progresses the cooler air will be displaced to the east as a ridge of high pressure brings clear skies and elevates freezing levels. A strong inversion will develop over the next few days. Sadly no new precipitation is forecast. Overnight lows will be -12 and ridge top winds will be moderate from the NW. Thur freezing levels to 3,300m.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs in exposed lee features. A significant crust (black friday, Nov.23) can be found down 30 to 70cms. A persistent slab overlays this crust and so far the bond appears to be strengthening at this interface. The Halloween crust sits well down in the snowpack at TL locations and as high as 2700m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the past 24 hours

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are present on lee aspects. Bond strength of these slabs to the snowpack below is uncertain.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2017 4:00PM