Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2018 4:07PM

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

landon shepherd, Parks Canada

Jasper.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=30731&oPark=100244Avalanche control today was effective and Highway 93 should reopen on schedule tomorrow.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cool arctic air and beautiful blue skies will dominate over the short term and likely into next week. The strength and location of the high pressure system will keep winds lighter, making for a longer period of good travel conditions and the midday sun will make you feel warm if you recreate in the sunny locations.

Snowpack Summary

Cool temps have started to reduce the touchiness of the storm slab throughout the forecast zone. Varied storm snow amts: 10-15cm in the Icefields, 40cm near Mt Wilson, and 30cm north of Beauty creek is sitting on the weak and facetted persistent slab at mid snowpack. Reverse loading from a northerly flow has cross-loaded Alpine features.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread avalanche cycle throughout the forecasted region with numerous to size 3.5 over the last 2 days from all aspects. All elevations saw significant propagation with debris often reaching valley bottom even from ALP start zones.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 45cm of HST fell through the forecast area, over-loading the already weak persistent slab and running far and fast.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Avoid steep, open glades in the forest.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs remain a problem, areas that have already cleaned out in the last avalanche cycle pose the least risk.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2018 4:00PM