Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2016 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Highway 93 will be closed due to avalanche control from Sunwapta Warden Station to Saskatchewan Crossing. Expected time to open 4pm Saturday with moderate confidence. Check Alberta 511 for details.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures moderating around -10 for Saturday with only small inputs of new snow over the day. Increasing light to moderate winds through the day.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm in south, less in the north fell on Thursday with moderate SW winds building touchy storm slab on lee slopes at tree line and above. Moderate rain below tree line along with above freezing temperatures have created a moist snowpack made up of the large facet crystals.

Avalanche Summary

Skier accidental occurred at 1230 at Parkers Ridge. Size 3, 1 involvement, partially buried, no injuries, some loss of equipment. Depth 10-240cm x 400m x 400m. Road buried south of Parkers summer trail (100ms with average depth on road 1.5ms). Significant cycle on all aspects, most initiating from the alpine and tree line elevations.Â

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

30 cm of storm snow has been transported by NW to SW winds. These slabs are sitting on a weak faceted base and/or SH.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Triggering is very likely in steep terrain.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2016 4:00PM