Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2016 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Loose dry avalanches in steep terrain will be a concern for ice climbers into the weekend.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy conditions through the weekend with scattered flurries.Â Less than 10cm expected.Â SW winds light but moderate along ridge crests. Temperatures falling slightly into Saturday then rebounding into the start of next week.

Snowpack Summary

Pockets of wind slab can be found in open or exposed terrain tree line and above. These pockets are sitting on a weak layer of facets.Â The mid-pack remains supportive but has weakened significantly from previous cold temps.Â Light snowfall is burying the well developed surface hoar and will become something to watch carefully if blown into slabs.

Avalanche Summary

Reports of small (sz 0.5) loose dry avalanches on steep terrain along the Icefields Parkway today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Loose Dry

Small loose dry avalanches should be expected in steep terrain. May entrain significant snow in gulley features.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Previous SW winds have created pockets wind slab at treeline and above. These slabs are sitting above a weak facet layer and may be triggered in steep terrain.

Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2016 4:00PM