Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 16th, 2020 4:00PM

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

jasper snow safety,

Incoming snow, wind and warm temperatures will increase the avalanche hazard but hopefully reduce the early season hazards.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: 7cm of snow. Alpine temperature: High 1 C. Wind SW 30 km/h gusting to 80 km/h. Freezing level 2200m

Wednesday: 10cm of snow. Alpine temperature: Low -6 C High -3 C. Wind SW 15 km/h gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level 1600m

Thursday: 7cm of Snow. Alpine temperature: Low -13 C High -5 C. Wind SW 10-30 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline has a snowpack of 40-60cm with overall supportive travel. The Nov. 4th rain crust exists up to 2600m depending on location in the forecast area. SW winds have formed wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday a size 2 skier triggered wind slab avalanche above the Hilda Hostel at Parker Ridge failed down 70cm sending blocks of concrete like snow into the trees.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

A skier triggered wind slab at Parker Ridge on Monday shows that deep wind slabs are still reactive to human loads. See the MIN more details.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Up to 25cm of snow with strong winds and warm temperatures are forecasted for the Parker Ridge area by Tuesday night. This could create reactive slabs.

  • Watch for signs of slab formation, such as whumpfing and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 17th, 2020 4:00PM