Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

A widespread natural loose wet avalanche on west aspects below treeline occurred on Thursday. Warm temperatures into the alpine have destabilized the snowpack. Stay away from the steep slopes until temperatures cool down.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow beginning Friday and continuing through weekend.Â Light SW winds will increase to moderate with snow.Â Freezing level close to 2000m on Friday then falling to Sunday.Â Major snow storm predicted for the beginning of the week.

Snowpack Summary

Continued warm temperatures softened alpine surface snow and weakened lower elevations snowpack making for moist/wet conditions. Slabs will persist at tree-line and above on North-Easterly aspects below ridge crests and cross-loaded terrain. The mid-pack is facetted, new snow interface is a concern along with a decomposed surface hoar down 40cm.

Avalanche Summary

Warm temperatures and strong solar induced a natural avalanche cycleÂ again on Wed. afternoon.Â Numerous loose wet to sz 2 at lower elevations. Icefields Parkway was closed for control work on Thursday producing numerous loose wet avalanches to size 2 that crossed the highway and wet slabs that showed propagation up to 100m across.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Previously formed slabs now comprise the upper and mid-pack in many locations. Natural and human triggered avalanches are possible.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Cloudy conditions on Friday should reduce this problem however caution is still advised as warm temperatures below treeline are expected to continue on Friday. Best to avoid ice climbs on south to west aspects until the weekend.

Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2016 4:00PM