Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2015 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Un-seasonally warm temperatures make for bikinis and board-shorts in the Alpine! Enjoy it for another day before we return to winter. Limit your exposure to large overhead features, especially on ice.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Inversion conditions pushing out of the area late in the day Monday with freezing levels jumping to between 2100 and 3000m during the day and nose-diving at night. As the high weakens the winds will pick up considerably and more seasonable temperatures will push into the Alpine. Only light precipitation expected through the week.

Snowpack Summary

Frigid overnight temperatures and day-time warming continue to settle the snowpack. Whumphing noted on pockets of windslab in exposed areas around treeline. Surface hoar formation continuing below treeline and a thin sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday numerous loose dry avalanches up to size 2.5 in steep solar facing gulleys between 2100 and 2700 m. Whumphing observed in open areas at treeline on windslab. No avalanche propagation observed.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Dry

Temperature inversion continues. Higher elevations have remained above 0 overnight, these temps combined with daytime solar effect on steep gulley features will continue producing loose snow releases. Thin solar ice features have been collapsing.

Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

North winds have formed wind slabs on isolated terrain features at upper elevations.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2015 4:00PM