Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 13th, 2017 4:09PM

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

william lawson, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Newly formed wind slab is currently the lone avalanche problem in the region. Though likely to only produce small avalanches, these can still be consequential.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow will taper off tonight with meager amounts forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday as a southerly flow moves in. Freezing levels will hover around 1500m till cooler temperatures arrive later this week. Ridge winds mainly from the south with values capable of snow transport (20-45 km/h).

Snowpack Summary

Below 1700m there is no significant snow. Above 2000m an early winter snowpack exists, snow depths range from 30 to 100+ cm depending on aspects and exposure to wind. A series of crusts have help develop a supportive snowpack allowing for good ski travel. Expect pockets of newly formed wind slab in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Observed no new avalanche activity on highway 93N Monday. Climbers should still remain vigilant as even triggering a small avalanche in a gully feature or above cliffs can have severe consequences.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expected wind slab formation from recent snow and wind. When traveling in the alpine take extra care in identify wind-drifted snow by observing sudden changes in the snow surface texture. This problem is not expected to linger.

Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 14th, 2017 4:09PM