Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2014 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cold temps and sunshine for the forecast area. Be careful near solar aspect rock faces where the sun will have the most effect on the surrounding snow and loose rocks.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expecting a moderate cooling trend and clear skies overnight. Temperatures are expected to dip into the negative high teens for the Icefields area for tomorrow and should bring cold temps, gloriously clear skies and sunshine.

Snowpack Summary

The clear skies and light winds that we've enjoyed have also helped to develop surface hoar at all elevations. An overall shallow snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Previous wind slabs provide bridging strength to the snowpack above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring in the high alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed. We did observe a minor rockfall event on a south aspect rock face on Saturday afternoon; the end result of melting ice and free water on the face.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

You are more likely to trigger this layer below treeline where the upper snowpack is more consistently shallow and weak. You still need to be cautious in shallow areas above treeline.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2014 4:00PM