Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 13th, 2016 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cooler temperatures are helping to stabilize the snowpack; however, remain vigilant. The sun's energy, if it comes out, can quickly and unexpectedly increase the danger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will be -5 to -8 with freezing levels 1100 to 1400m next few days. Winds will be light to moderate SW with some strong gusts. 5-10cm Saturday into Sunday evening with continued flurries and mixed clouds into the week. Pray and offer sacrifices to Ullr.

Snowpack Summary

Cooler temperatures are stabilizing the snowpack. Solar BTL locations have a variable un-supportive 10cm crust. Windslab building at BTL locations and intense transport in ALP occurring. Persistent slab TL-ALP in midpack. Weak midpack and basal facets exist. Suspect decomposed surface hoar down 40cm. It's distribution is uncertain.

Avalanche Summary

Good visibility Saturday with no new naturals noted. Monday-Thursday's warm temperatures and sun induced afternoon natural avalanche creating numerous loose wet to sz 2 at lower elevations and some size 3 slabs in the alpine.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Previously formed slabs now comprise the upper and mid-pack in many locations. Natural and human triggered avalanches are possible.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Windslabs are building in isolated below treeline locations. Alpine is experiencing some intense transport as well. Caution on cross loaded gullies and steep lee aspects.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Be very cautious with gully features.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 14th, 2016 4:00PM