Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Garth Lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Expect strong Westerly Alpine winds Sunday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunday will be isolated flurries, -7, and 15 gusting 65 km/hr NW winds. Monday will be a mix of sun and cloud, no new snow, -16 to -8, and light NW winds. A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

Warming in the region has created isolated moist surface snow conditions up to 2200m. Wind effect is well pronounced in the alpine and exposed TL areas. 10cm of low density snow overlies a mix of old facets and/or surface hoar and sun crust. A strong mid-pack sits over a deep persistent weaknesses of facets and depth-hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Saturday's patrol noted a couple of size 1 moist loose avalanches on steep alpine terrain.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds last week left widely scoured surfaces with pockets of hard windslab. These appear to be stubborn to human triggering. Strong alpine winds expected Sunday maintaining this problem.

Convex features and steep unsupported slopes will be most prone to triggering.Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Despite lack of natural activity, it would be wise to assess the strength of the interfaces above & below the October 25 crust before entering committing lines. This layer exists in most skiable slopes and would be severe consequences if triggered.

Ride slopes one at a time and spot for your partners from safe locations.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2019 4:00PM