Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2017 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Minimal avalanche activity has inspired confidence in the snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Saturday will be isolated flurries, -12, and light West winds. Sunday will be similar but with gusting 55km/hr West winds. Monday will be exactly like Sunday.Â

Snowpack Summary

There is a well settled snowpack. Widespread wind effected snow exists in the alpine with minimal ski penetration. The Halloween Oct. 31 crust sits in the lower half of the snowpack with faceted crystals above and below; found between 2200 - 2900m.

Avalanche Summary

An older (3 day) slab avalanche was reported in the Icefields on a South aspect at 2850 m that started 20 cm deep and then stepped down to a crust 30 cm below. The slope angle was ~40 deg. and the size was 2.5. It was likely a solar trigger avalanche. No patrol occurred Friday and nothing new reported.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Heavy loads might trigger this deep instability.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2017 4:00PM