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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 10th, 2017–Feb 11th, 2017
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Avalanche Control along the Icefields Parkway is planned for Friday 1100 - 1700, expect delays.Strong winds and 20cm+ of snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions.

Weather Forecast

The storm has ended but periods of light snow can be expected over the weekend. Alpine temps are forecasted to drop to -16 overnight and with a high of -12. Winds will be blowing moderate from the SW, gusting to strong. Temps will gradually rise until mid next week.

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of snow within the past 36hrs with moderate to strong SW winds is building slab at treeline and above. A reactive storm slab can be found at all elevations and aspects. The upper snow pack has several touchy surface hoar and facet layers which are now buried 40-50cm and 60-80cm. The mid-pack is facetted and weak, with depth hoar at its base

Avalanche Summary

A widespread Na cycle up to Sz 2.5 on all aspects and elevations today along the Parkway. Poor visibility into the high alpine.While accessing a short and steep slope adjacent to the highway, an avalanche technician triggered the storm slab resulting in a full burial with no injuries.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

30-40cm of storm snow with warming temps has promoted fast settlement, forming a touchy storm slab.
If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong SW winds building windslab with recent storm snow and expected to bond poorly.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by an upslope storm.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches initiated within the storm snow were stepping down to deeper layers and in some cases gouging to ground in thin snowpack areas.
If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3