Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2015 4:00PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Warm temperatures are expected on Friday and into the weekend. Expect some rain in the valley bottoms.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Winds are picking up from the southwest with warm temperatures expected by Friday. It will rain at lower elevations and snowfalls will vary with heavier snow down towards the icefields.

Snowpack Summary

A highly variable snowpack exists throughout the forecasting region. Moderate westerly ridge top winds are redistributing snow and creating wind slabs on north through east aspects. Maligne slabs are mostly clear. Roadside rock slabs have 10cm snow and have been snowballing.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed in maligne and hwy 93

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate winds have redistributed snow creating wind slabs on lee aspects and cross loaded features.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

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

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2015 4:00PM