Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2012 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 Deep Persistent Slabs.

Landon Shepherd, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Heads up to ice climbers: Friday PM is expected to have a dramatic spike of freezing levels to above 2600m; West and Southwest exposed climbs would be threatened by this rapid warming, especially combined with expected strong solar radiation.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate winds and warm temperatures have formed hard slabs in all wind-exposed areas.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers like a cornice failure could initiate a slide in this weak layer at the base of the snowpack. Shallow snowpack areas near exposed rocks are another potential trigger site.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2012 4:00PM