Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2016 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The high pressure ridge is starting to breakdown which will finally bring some snow (albeit light) at the beginning of the week.Â Upper elevation temperatures will fall back to normal for this time of year.Â Winds continue to be light.

Snowpack Summary

Variable wind slab in open or exposed terrain. Sun crust formed on steep solar aspects due to previous warm alpine temperatures. In most areas the snowpack = Surface facets on a supportive mid-pack that is bridging basal facets.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose snow avalanches up to size 2 observed in the alpine in the Maligne Lake area Saturday on steep solar exposed gulleys. This activity will subside as the inversion dissipates and alpine temperatures fall on Sunday.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be expected to be most developed in the alpine and open tree-line ridge tops.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2016 4:00PM