Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2015 4:05PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures remain mild for the time of year with only a few flurries forecast.

Snowpack Summary

15 cm of new snow in the Columbia Icefields area overlies a highly variable snowpack. Moderate westerly ridge top winds are redistributing snow and wind slabs continue to develop on north through east aspects.

Avalanche Summary

The debris of several size 2.5 avalanches were observed in the south of the forecast region today, starting from cross loaded features in the alpine.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds continue to redistribute snow creating wind slabs on lee aspects and cross loaded features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The weak layer of surface hoar and facets from December can still be found and may become susceptible to triggering with more snow loading.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2015 4:00PM