Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2018 4:00PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The forecast new snow has not arrived, but ongoing strong winds have likely loaded lee terrain enough to increase the avalanche danger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The upper level flow switches from SW to Westerly through out the day Wednesday. SW winds persist, but only in the light-moderate range.Â Alpine temperatures will drop from a daytime high of -4C to -12C as the skies clear into the evening.Click here for the Avalanche Canada mountain weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW wind and warm temps promoting fresh windslab development. The October 25 crust, sitting 0-40cm off the ground, remains a concern. This crust is most prevalent in deeper snowpack areas - found predominately on N-NE lee features. Faceting above and below this layer continues to weaken the lower snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No recent activity has been reported, no field teams have been out since the weekend.Â The local ski hill triggered two windslabs (one large/size 2) during explosive control work on Sunday.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Ongoing strong winds continue to build windslabs.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Most skiable slopes have this crust, assess the strength of this interface before jumping into any committing lines. See forecast details for more info on this layer.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2018 4:00PM