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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 1st, 2013–Feb 2nd, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

It is that time of the year when solar radiation is starting to gain strength.  If the sun pokes out on solar aspects, small loose avalanches can be expected.  Ice climbers should be mindful of this condition. 

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will be above freezing in valley on Saturday and will be above normal at all elevations.  Northwest winds will ease at treeline and below while staying strong in the alpine.  No precipitation is expected under partly cloudy skies.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs in exposed lee features, faceted mid-pack at lower elevations, and poor travel with difficult trail-breaking below treeline. Persistent hard slab and sastrugi widespread above treeline.  Thin wind slab is forming  in immediate lee features with continuing moderate to strong NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

A large piece of cornice fell down a steep (45 + degree) east facing alpine slope and did not trigger any weakness.  No other avalanches were observed on Friday with patrols of the Parkway, Whistler Creek and Maligne Road.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard windslabs may be triggered from thin snowpack areas.  Thin wind slabs are forming in immediate lee areas above treeline with continued moderate to strong Northwest winds.
Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2