Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 20th, 2012 4:27PM

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

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Highly variable snow distribution across forecast area. Evaluate each slope carefully.

Summary

Weather Forecast

There are two distinct weather systems over our forecast area. To the north, cold temperatures (-16) and light flurries are expected for the next two days. South of the Columbia IcefieldÂ a much milder air mass has produced 30+ cm of snow.

Snowpack Summary

There are a variety of layers in the snowpack that relate to the early season snow, rain and freeze-thaw cycles. These can be consistently found in field tests but the depth of the weaknesses and the type of shears vary from slope to slope.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural avalanches to size 2.5 were observed today. All the slide activity seems to be wind slabs on steep lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 21st, 2012 4:00PM