Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2012 4:28PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Calm conditions with light snowfalls are expected overnight and through Monday. There is an expected frontal breakdown to come on Tuesday with increased amounts of snowfall in the icefields area and moderate winds from the Southwest.

Snowpack Summary

Hard test results were found at treeline on facets sandwiched between the two crusts in the icefields area. The crusts are deteriorating in this area.Â Windslabs near ridgetops continue as the main concern.

Avalanche Summary

A size 3 slab was observed in the Hilda creek area. It originated from sloughing in a gully feature and expanded into a slab on a large open slope at 2400m that is the run out for the gully.Â The slab likely propogated on facets around the November 01 rain crust.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

A size 2 avalanche was observed on the Parker ridge slidepaths. Pay particular attention to steep unsupported wind loaded slopes in the alpine.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A persistent facetted weakness can be found around a mid-pack crust. An isolated size 3 avalanche on a steep Northerly large open slope in the Hilda Creek area likely ran on this layer.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2012 4:00PM