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Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2012–Dec 8th, 2012
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.

Ski quality is good especially at sheltered locations, but remember that early season variability suggests the need for careful evaluation of large terrain features.

Weather Forecast

Cooler temps are forecast for the weekend with a chance of light flurries. A significant warming trend should start to set in early next week.

Snowpack Summary

Light and variable winds have had little influence on recent storm snow. The skiing is good but snow depths on lee features is now well above minimum thresholds values and several large slides have been observed in the past week. These avalanches have occurred on serious terrain but serve as a reminder to consider consequences before jumping in.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches were observed today. Explosive work along Parker slabs with produced one size 2.5 slab avalanche from a wind loaded location on rock slab on Thursday. 

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Variable and winds created this slab condition on lee aspects particularly at ridge tops.
Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A persistent facetted weakness can be found around a mid-pack crust.
Avoid unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer seems to be developing in relatively shallow snowpack areas do to a classic Rockies temperature gradient process. 
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3