Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2015 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2015 4:00PM