Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2013 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.

A.L. Horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Avalanche control work is planned on Thursday and Friday on the Icefields Parkway. Expect intermittent closures between 10 am and 4 pm on Thursday and a 5-hour closure between Jasper and Saskatchewan Crossing starting at 10am on Friday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

An arctic front is moving in behind Wednesday's storm. Winds will be light NW, temperatures will cool to around -10 and broken skies. We expect another cm or 2 of snow on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30 cm of storm snow fell on Wednesday. Below tree line, this new unconsolidated snow is sitting on a thin facetted snowpack. In sheltered tree line areas the storm snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack. In wind exposed tree line and alpine areas, a 30-50 cm deep soft wind slab has formed on the previously faceted surface.

Avalanche Summary

Visibility was poor today but numerous size 1 loose snow avalanches were observed on steep slopes and in gulleys below tree line. These avalanches started in the storm snow and seem to step down to ground involving the weak facet snowpack. No slab avalanche activity has been observed.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Storm Slabs

30-50 cm thick soft slabs have formed especially on lee slopes. 30 cm of storm snow have been accompanied by moderate gusty SW alpine winds.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

30 cm of unconsolidated storm snow is sitting on 30-60 cm of weak sugary facets in most areas below tree line. Numerous loose avalanches have been observed that have involved the entire snowpack.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2013 4:00PM