Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 15th, 2015 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

New snow has not had time to consolidate and is likely to sluff from steep terrain. Be especially careful on Ice climbs that expose you to this real hazard.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Overnight from Saturday and into Sunday morning fell a further 40cm of snow in the Icefields area. Expect a further 5 - 10cm in that area overnight with some short term clearing as the temps drop slightly. Increasing cloudiness over the morning as temps are expected to remain steady around -5 to -10. Increasing moderate wind over the day.

Snowpack Summary

Snow depths are highly variable between elevation ranges and north to south across the region. Greatest depths can be found in the Columbia Icefields area. Moderate to strong ridge top winds have created soft slabs on top of a weak unsupportive, and unsettled snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today due to poor visibility

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Almost 80cm of snow in the in the Icefields area as we dive head first into winter.

Expect heavy trailbreaking until the storm snow settles out.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Point releases from cliffs and steep smooth surfaces. Ridge top winds have be perfect for creating soft slabs and smaller, but weak cornices over exposed areas. Watch these when climbing even low hazard Ice.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 16th, 2015 4:00PM