Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 27th, 2015–Nov 28th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Alpine temperatures expected to be above freezing over the weekend during the afternoon. Expect sloughing on steep solar aspects at treeline and alpine elevations.

Weather Forecast

Weather models indicate that freezing levels may climb to 3000m during the heat of the day over the weekend, with temps up to +5C at treeline. Inversions have been common over the past few days and are likely to continue. Winds remain light, with cold temperatures overnight. No precipitation until next week.

Snowpack Summary

72 hours of cold temperatures have weakened the snowpack. Isolated pockets of windslab in exposed areas above treeline. Alpine is scoured in many places, leaving dirt, rock or shallow snow cover. Surface hoar formation and faceting is expected to be widespread. Warm temps in past 24hrs may be producing thin crust on solar aspects at treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today, but no road patrol was conducted. Expect steep solar aspects to shed snow during the heat of the day with forecasted freezing levels up to 3000m.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

Expect loose snow releases on steep solar terrain previously loaded by Northerly winds if temperatures rise above freezing. This may be of greatest concern to ice climbers below solar start zones.

Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

North winds have formed wind slabs on isolated terrain features at upper elevations.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2