Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 14th, 2017 4:00PM

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

william lawson, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Wind slab is currently the lone avalanche problem in the region. With the current variability of the snowpack, exposure to this problem can happen fast.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Periods of snow expected wednesday with forecasted accumulation of up to 5cm. Temperatures will remain steady with daytime highs at treeline elevation of -5.0. Freezing levels will hover near valley bottom. Light SW wind with moderate gust at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

Below 1700m there is no significant snow. Above 2000m an early winter snowpack exists, snow depths range from 30 to 100+ cm depending on aspects and exposure to wind. A series of crusts have develop a supportive snowpack allowing for good ski travel. Wind effect to the recent snow has loaded specific slopes in the alpine, expect this to continue.

Avalanche Summary

Observed no new avalanche activity on highway 93N. Climbers should still remain vigilant as even triggering a small avalanche in a gully feature or above cliffs can have severe consequences.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Newly formed wind slab 20-30 deep predominately on exposed alpine lees. When traveling in the alpine take extra care to identify areas with wind-drifted snow.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 15th, 2017 4:00PM