Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 14th, 2015 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Overnight on Saturday and into Sunday morning another 15cm of snow is forecast for the Icefields area. Winds from the south south east are forecast to be moderate.

Snowpack Summary

Snow depths are highly variable between elevation ranges and East to West across the region. Greater depths can be found in the Columbia Icefields area. Moderate to strong ridge top winds have created soft slabs on top of a faceted and shallow existing snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Some small slabs and loose snow slides were observed at treeline elevations in the Icefields area's today.

Confidence

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

Problems

Storm Slabs

55cm of storm snow in the past 48 hours in the Icefields area has fallen on a shallow early season older snowpack of facets and crusts.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.Expect heavy trailbreaking until the storm snow settles out.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Point releases from cliffs and steep smooth surfaces.

Be very cautious with gully features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 15th, 2015 4:00PM