Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 19th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

For skiers, alpine wind slabs will be your greatest concern, watch for rocks and other buried hazards at treeline. Ice climbers will need to evaluate snow loading above their climbs. Enjoy the early season conditions!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Little precipitation is expected through the weekend. Temperatures will slowly moderate. Winds are expected to continue moderate from the SW. Clearing skies will make for beautiful early season conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Tuesday's storm brought up to 60cm. Snow depths vary between 70 to 140 cm in the Icefields. Generally unsupportive conditions below treeline and improving as you approach TL and above. Strong gusty SW alpine winds have formed slab conditions on lee aspects. Previous northerly winds have reverse and cross-loaded alpine slopes.

Avalanche Summary

Explosive work on Parkers slabs on Wednesday produced avalanches up to size 2.5. Wide propagations were observed. Numerous natural avalanches up to size 3 within last 48 hours were noted in the alpine mainly on lee steep slopes.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

After the storm, northerly alpine winds reverse loaded lee aspects. Strong winds since yesterday have been forming new wind slabs on lee aspect slopes. These slabs are sitting on a weakness at the ground, full depth avalanches are possible.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

50-70 cm of unconsolidated snow is sitting on steep terrain. Expect point releases from cliffs and steep smooth surfaces. Wind, sun and other triggers could release this snow and be enough mass to bury a person or push an ice climber off.

Be very cautious with gully features.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 20th, 2015 4:00PM