Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 11th, 2017 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Early season conditions exist with low snow cover and hidden hazards just lurking beneath the surface. Ski defensively.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries, clouds, -6 to -9 for Sunday. Monday may bring in a pulse of snow, 10-20cm, South to Southwest light to moderate winds, 1800 freezing level, and -3 to -6 degrees Celsius. Models are not agreeing on the snow amounts thus expect it to vary locally.

Snowpack Summary

Field data is limited. Below 1700m there is no significant snow. 2000m and above 30cm plus can be expected. Snow distribution varies with aspect, elevation, and wind exposure. Treeline and alpine gully features as well as some alpine slopes will be wind loaded. Its early season snowpack and ground features are marginally covered.

Avalanche Summary

No patrol Saturday. Friday Jasper to Sunwapta station patrol observed nothing new. Climbers should still remain vigilant as even triggering a small avalanche in a gully feature or above cliffs can have severe consequences.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Problems

Wind Slabs

This is an early winter condition that exists in isolated pockets where the snow has drifted into pockets of wind slabs and the slope is steep enough to slide. Mainly a concern for ice climbers in steep gullies or walking above cliffs.

Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 12th, 2017 4:00PM