Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2015 4:06PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Recent storm snow has started to settle into a slab that was very reactive to skier traffic today.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A return to colder conditions with a few snow flurries and light to moderate North Easterly winds in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow has started to settle into a slab which overlies a weak layer of facets and old surface hoar. Skiing was good today but field teams were very cautious around steep terrain where it was easy to ski cut several small soft slabs.

Avalanche Summary

Last nights warm conditions has turned the recent storm snow into a touchy slab. Field teams were able to trigger several small soft slabs to size 1. Two other small slides were reported off steep rocky terrain at lower elevations (BTL).

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow has started to settle into a slab which overlies a weak layer of facets and old surface hoar. Field teams were able to ski cut several small soft slabs to size 1 at treeline and below treeline elevations today.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This weak layer exists below a strong mid-pack at treeline and sub-alpine elevations. Large loads such as a cornice collapse or surface slides could still possibly trigger this deep persistent weakness.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2015 4:00PM