Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2011 4:15PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The storm that dropped over 20 cm in the Icefields area on Wednesday will slowly clear out by Thursday afternoon. Skiers and boarders should avoid steep loaded slopes to allow this new snow to settle and bond to the snow beneath it.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Storm Slabs

The 20 cm of snow that has fallen in the Icefields area was accompanied by strong SW winds creating slab conditions on lee slopes. It will take a few days for these new slabs to bond.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer has not been active for a while now. It has now been loaded by the 20+ cm of new storm snow and continued SW winds. Big slopes that have not yet slide this winter should be avoided.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

These slabs have now been buried and added to by the recent storm snow and SW winds. Increased loading may increase the possibility of triggering this weakness.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2011 4:00PM