Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2013 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Early season hazards lurk just below the surface. Ski cautiously. If winds arrive, expect increased avalanche potential.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect 2-4 cm Tuesday night with continued flurries through the week. Winds may increase Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures will remain seasonal but may warm significantly on the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Variable snowpack depths with pockets up to 1m deep. October rain crust is sporadically distributed but forecasters are still investigating this condition. Recent North winds are loading South aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Patrol on Tuesday observed two avalanches 24 hours old. Size 2-2.5 at 2800m crossloaded SE to S aspect feature on what appears to be the Oct raincrust 40-50cm down. Suspect solar trigger.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Observations are limited on this layer leading to uncertainty of it's triggering potential. Basal facetting process continues to weaken overall strength. Recent avalanches may indicate it is waking up slowly.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent North winds are loading South aspects. With winds and snow loading, this layer has the potential to increase sensitivity to triggers.

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: Dec 11th, 2013 4:00PM