Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 18th, 2014–Feb 19th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

The main concern is the buried surface hoar, facet, crust combo layer found predominantly at tree line and sub alpine elevations 'Whumphing' is being reported from this persistent weak layer (PWL).

Weather Forecast

Some snow showers (10cm) is forecast for the southern end of our forecasting area and is accompanied by light southerly winds. This should do little to change our present avalanche hazard.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall overlies a surface hoar, surface facet and crust combo, found predominantly at tree line and sub alpine elevationsÂ A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer. Below tree line has a supportive (albeit shallow) mid-pack.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday - there was no natural activity observed between Jasper and The Big Bend and only limited results with the Avalauncher at Parkers Ridge (tree line elevation).

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The interface between rapidly settling storm snow and the previous surface is characterized by crusts. facets and surface hoar. New slabs are touchy in specific terrain - particularly steep, lee aspects at treeline and sub alpine elevations.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Recent southerly winds have created new windslabs. Caution is warranted with lee and crossloaded features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2