Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2015 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Merry Christmas one and all, safe travels

Summary

Weather Forecast

The arctic air will dominate the weather until Sunday. The high pressure system will start to be displaced as the weekend progresses with a low pressure system approaching from the coast. Winds will pick up at higher elevations becoming more westerly and the temperatures will slowly start to moderate into next week.

Snowpack Summary

Generally supportive and well settled snowpack above 1700m. Expect thin wind slabs in the alpine on the lee side of wind exposed terrain. The Dec 3 interface down 60cm appears to be bonding well. Snowpack continues to facet with recent cold temperatures. The base of the snowpack is weakening.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported in past 48 hours

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be expected to be most developed in the alpine on cross winded and NE facing terrain.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Avoid steep slopes below cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec3 interface down 60cm appears to be bonding well, but be sure to evaluate steep and committing features, particularly around treeline.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2015 4:00PM