Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2019 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

30cm of new snow in the Icefields with SW wind.

The bond seems to be good between new and old snow surfaces; patience and time is be needed to be sure.

Travel near open water and sheltered terrain traps are most vulnerable to a reactive instability.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Progressive cooling overnight and continues through the week. For more details: Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Weather Forecast.

Snowpack Summary

30cm of storm snow (HST) overnight Saturday at TL in the Icefields. This HST is sitting on a variety of surfaces depending on elevation and aspect. Surface hoar may be preserved in sheltered locations. The snow seems to be bonding well to previous surfaces at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Road patrols in the Maligne Valley and Icefields reported generally poor visibility but no natural avalanches observed at any elevation. Field team in Icefields reported a profile at TL (2240m). HS: 125cm. Found a moderate, resistant planar compression result down 40cm, likely on buried windslab.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow sitting over a variety of surfaces. Though proving less reactive to natural loads this interface has yet been tested much underfoot. Tread cautiously, coming cool temps should tighten the bond over the old snow.

Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.
Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Ongoing strong SW winds redistributed 30cm new snow to lee features in open spaces.

Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2019 4:00PM