Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2013 4:01PM

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

A.L. Horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

We have a highly variable snowpack. Good avalanche hazard evaluation skills are needed to travel on this landscape.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expecting temperatures to cool slightly with broken skies predicted on Friday. A skiff of snow is possible and alpine winds will blow strong from the West. Only light westerlies are forecast at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is faceting and losing strength especially in shallow areas. At tree line and above, the mid-pack is generally supportive where snow pack is greater than a meter. Wind slabs are present in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported today though expect some loose snow sluffing on solar aspects.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found above tree line in exposed terrain. These slabs have been unreactive to skier traffic, however, it is still possible to trigger a slab in steep unsupported terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Loose snow avalanches are likely on steep thin slopes and in gulley features. Although these avalanches are possible on all aspects, solar triggering is most likely.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2013 4:00PM