Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 6th, 2017 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Early season conditions exist. Caution in gullies and wind loaded pockets at treeline and above.

Summary

Weather Forecast

No significant snow is forecast for the next 72 hours. Temperatures will warm marginally as the arctic air mass is replaced with a more temperate sw air flow. Freezing levels will however remain near the valley bottom until the weekend

Snowpack Summary

Field data is limited. Below 1700m there is no significant snow. At 2000m and above 30cm plus can be expected. Snow distribution will vary greatly with aspect, elevation, and exposure to the wind. Treeline and alpine gully features will be wind loaded as will some lee alpine slopes. Rocks and timber is marginally covered.

Avalanche Summary

No new. It is not uncommon at this time of year for climbers to trigger small avalanches from gully features. Even small rides over rocky terrain, or worse over cliffs, can have serious consequences.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

This is a typical early winter avalanche problem that exists in isolated pockets where the snow has drifted into small wind slabs and the slope is steep enough to slide. Mainly a concern for ice climbers in steep gullies or walking above cliffs.

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, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 7th, 2017 4:00PM