Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2013 4:00PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Lee terrain and gully features will have additional slab development over the next few days. Climbers should select their climbs to minimize overhead hazards.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A front may bring extreme wind gusts scouring alpine snowpacks on the South and Southwest aspects. Winds may diminish Sunday afternoon with expected light snowfalls through Tuesday. Colder temperatures are expected later in the week and into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Alpine regions will be scoured by strong winds in the Icefields. Gusting winds will be moving any available snow that is left. Expect to see additional wind slab development.

Avalanche Summary

Saturday morning's avalanche patrol on Highway 93 did not observe any new avalanches. However a 3rd hand report from climbers on Thursday indicated a size 2 slab release on the middle pitches of polar circus. This slide likely originated from a slab in the gully feature.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong to extreme gusting winds from the South through to the West will be developing additional windslabs on lee aspects at treeline and on lee terrain features in the alpine.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A small avalanche on a lee aspect may step down to this layer and could go to ground on the facets.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2013 4:00PM