Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 14th, 2013 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Ice climbers should pay close attention to the effect of warming temperatures on the snowpack. Plan to be off climbs with solar exposed slopes above early in the day.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The mild valley bottom temperatures on Friday will not reach the alpine. Moderate Westerly winds at treeline and below will reach severe in the alpine. Skies will be partly cloudy and no new snow is expected. On Saturday, models are calling for snow flurries that may produce localized amounts approaching 10-15 cm (don't hold your breath!)

Snowpack Summary

Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline. Limited whumpfing has been observed at treeline in the Parker Ridge area. Very little new snow in the past few days. Moderate SW winds continues to build pockets of thin windslab on lee aspects at treeline and above. The snowpack is weak and faceted below treeline.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, several loose snow avalanches were observed along SE facing alpine ridge lines.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin pockets of windslab can be expected below Northeasterly ridge lines. These windslabs may be triggered on steeper slopes.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The hard windslabs that dominate the alpine snowpack have bridged weakness below. These slabs have not been reactive. It may be possible to trigger an avalanche on steep unsupported terrain from thin areas and the edges of these slabs.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 15th, 2013 4:00PM