Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2017 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Ski quality is a bit challenging right now.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Thursday will be scattered flurries, 1-5cm, -11 degrees Celsius, and 10-25km/hr North winds. Friday will be sun and cloud, no precipitation, -20, and generally light Northerly winds. Saturday will be much the same as Friday except for some gusting Northerly winds at ridgetops.Â

Snowpack Summary

Small amounts of new snow cover a variety of wind affected surfaces and rocks. Midpack layers are unreactive in field tests. Recent winds have formed some isolated pockets of windslab in exposed areas at upper elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No patrol occurred Wednesday and nothing reported. No natural activity observed by field team in Columbia Icefield Area on Tuesday. Minimal sloughing and very isolated pockets of soft slab triggered by ski cutting on Tuesday.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Even with the low danger rating, still be vigilant for small pockets of soft windslab particularly at upper elevation ridgetops.

Use caution above ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2017 4:00PM