Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Garth Lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Ice climbers should consider increase in natural activity in the afternoon especially on solar aspects.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Solar radiation has led to a re-awakening of two instabilities. Recent wind slabs and the early season basal facet layer. They have produced a few large avalanches on steep unsupported alpine features. Activity was less today yet remains a concern.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

The majority of the windslabs are bonding well, but there remains the potential to trigger isolated slabs in steep, wind loaded areas in the alpine. Assess terrain cautiously.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Large temperature swings from -20 at night to +2 during the day has us in a melt freeze cycle on south aspects. The temperature inversion was less today but still prevalent. Steep south alpine slopes continue to release naturally in the afternoon.

Aspects: North.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2012 4:00PM