Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2011 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Freezing level to hover around 1500m until Sunday afternoon with possible 10-15cm and strong winds as the front passes followed by colder temperatures. Winds were clocked up to 110km/hr at the Icefields now gusting 50-60km/hr. Can you say sustrugi.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

110km/hr winds have wind-hammered the alpine at the icefields. Boilerplate windslabs, sustrugi, and loaded lee slopes will be encountered. Wind direction is variable but mainly slabs will be present on easterly aspects. Avoid slabby feeling slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Basal facet collapses are still possible and should remain a real concern as consequences would be huge if triggered. Shallow snowpack areas and rocky outcrops are trigger locations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2011 4:00PM