Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2012 4:04PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Snow is expected on Wednesday that may overload the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on Valentine's Day. This layer is now up to 75 cm deep on south facing wind loaded features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Most open treeline and alpine slopes have wind slabs that may be sitting on the Valentine's Day surface hoar. On southerly aspects, this surface hoar has formed on top of a sun crust. Slabs on these features will be easily triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

20 to 40 cm of loose surface facets can be found on most sheltered northerly slopes. On steeper slopes, these are producing small loose avalanches that may have enough mass to knock over a skier or pull an ice climber off.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 29th, 2012 4:00PM