Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2016 4:00PM

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

mark herbison, Parks Canada

Jasper.

High winds and new snow have built wind slab, continue to choose conservative lines to ride and be aware of what lurks overhead while climbing in confined gullies.

Summary

Weather Forecast

5cm of snow arriving tonight for the Icefields Parkway with freezing levels around 1300m. Alpine high of -6 tomorrow with flurries and SW winds, 20km/hr gusting to 50km/hr. Another pulse arriving Thursday bringing 5-10cm, high winds and freezing levels to 2000m.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of snow in past 72 hours being distributed by mod-strong SW winds. New wind slab forming in areas where snow available for transport. Solar aspects have a breakable crust 10cm thick. Mid-pack consists of buried wind and persistent slab, which lay on a bed of basal facets. Decomposing surface hoar found ~40cm down but distribution is spotty.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches observed. Recent cooler temps have refrozen solar aspects and 'tightened' up the snowpack in the wake of last weeks high freezing levels and widespread natural avalanche cycle.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Previously formed slabs now comprise the upper and mid-pack in many locations. Natural and human triggered avalanches are possible.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong winds have redistributed storm snow and wind slab can be found at all elevations. Caution on cross loaded gullies and lee aspects.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 16th, 2016 4:00PM