Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2013 4:02PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The skiing conditions are marginal, with significant wind effect in all open areas above treeline. However, ice climbing conditions are excellent right now with the moderate temperatures and low avalanche danger. Get out there!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Strong westerly flow will bring a few flurries and temps from -5 to -12.Â Winds will be moderate to strong from the south, shifting to north later in the day on Friday. No significant accumulations of snow are forecast.

Snowpack Summary

5 cm of snow overnight has softened up the surface of the snowpack below treeline, however all areas above treeline and in the alpine have been wind blasted. Hard slabs are widespread, and provide a strong bridge over any underlying weakness. Below treeline, the snowpack is facetted throughout but no slab overlies this weakness.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed along Highway 93 from Jasper to the Weeping wall.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard slabs are widespread and present the only real problem in the snowpack. Although it seems unlikely, it could be possible to trigger an avalanche in a steep pocket with a hard slab. Mostly these slabs are bridging any weakness underneath.

Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 25th, 2013 4:00PM