Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2014 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The Pineapple Express continues to bring in mild weather and precipitation that is falling as snow at higher elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A forecast of snow at treeline and in the alpine with rainfall at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Very touchy conditions exist at treeline and sub alpine elevations. The recent snow fall is making the facet crust layers near the base of the snowpack very susceptible to human triggering. Our field team in the Parker Ridge area today experienced extensive whumphing and cracking in the snowpack.Â

Avalanche Summary

Two size 2 skier remote slab avalanches reported in the Nigel Basin today on Easterly aspects at treeline.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs at treeline and sheltered sub-alpine slopes are starting to get overloaded by recent snow and wind loading. Two size 2 skier remote slab avalanches were triggered in the Nigel Basin today.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent wind loading has produced new touchy wind slabs on lee and cross loaded features.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

Mild temperatures and rain have increased the likelihood of loose wet slides at lower elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2014 4:00PM