Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2017 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cautious route finding and conservative terrain choices are required with the unpredictable snow conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

No forecasted precip, light SW winds and cooling temps into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

New transported HST building developing wind slabs in the ALP on N to E asps. At TL, soft slab and wind slabs in open areas over a faceted midpack to depth hoar. Nov crust in isolated areas; deeper, sheltered north aspects. Thin rain crust BTL on all aspects below 1600m. Loose point releases from steep un-skiable terrain at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported or observed.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Cross-loaded gullies and ridgeline features will be especially sensitive to human triggering.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs may be present especially at tree-line. If triggered, it is likely it will initiate the rest of the weak faceted snowpack.

Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Isolated locations where this layer is persisting. Has morphed into depth hoar in many areas.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2017 4:00PM