Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2015 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cold nights and mornings making ice climbs brittle. Limit your exposure to over hanging hazards like daggers and pillars as they can break without notice.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Another cold night Thursday evening but we should see some tolerable temps over the day Friday as a new weather system moves in over the day friday bringing a welcome refresh of snow, possibly 5 to 10cms. Winds will pick up to moderate levels with some strong gusts from the south which will affect visibility at all elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Upper snowpack losing some support due to faceting in the upper pack, still overall it is a fairly good consistent mid-pack above 2000ms and still offering excellent quality touring and skiing. Dec 3rd interface is down approx. 45-60cm but it is not easily triggered. Below 1900ms the HS is more typical of the Rockies; weak and shallow.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed and reported

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

New (and previously) building windslab will be found in lee areas at treeline and into the alpine.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec3 layer down 60cm has not been associated with any observed natural activity nor has it proven to be reactive to skier traffic. Further cooling temperatures and the consistently supportive mid-pack helping increase confidence in this layer.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2015 4:00PM