Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Small pockets of good skiing can still be found in sheltered terrain at treeline. Hielda is skiing surprisingly well.
Be on the lookout for reverse loading from Northerly wind.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries and trace precipitation. Alpine temperature High -15 C. Ridge wind west: 10 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Alpine high -11. NW wind 10-25km/h. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud. No Precipitation. Wind West 10km/h
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by recent Northerly winds causing reverse loading in many locations with wind slab development in Alpine and exposed terrain at treeline. A weak temperature crust can be found up to 1900m on all aspects with a sun crust on solar aspects up to 2800m. Basal facets & depth hoar present at throughout area
Avalanche Summary
A few Natural size 1 dry loose avalanches were observed on the Icefields Parkway on Tuesday, Feb 22. All occurred in steep terrain with unsupported features.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs sit over a variety of surfaces including old wind slabs, temperature crust and sun crust making reactivity variable. Be extra cautious in areas that wind slabs sits over a hard layer.
- Be careful with reverse loaded pockets of wind slab at ridgeline.
- Watch hollow sounds on unsupported windslabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
This problem is specific to steep, wind protected terrain. Expect more dry loose activity in areas where recent snowfall sits over a hard surface.
- Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5