Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

tim mcallister, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Caution to skiers and climbers playing in gully features as there is still lingering pockets of snow that could knock you over.The highway is open from Jasper to Lake Louise.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures continue to rise gradually to more seasonal norms. A mix of sun and cloud over the next few days will bring small amounts of snow. West and northwest winds will be moderate in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The weekends storm snow is 115cm and that tapers off south of Parkers Ridge. The main weakness is a sandwich of crusts and facets at the mid to lower snowpack.Additional snow loading continues to occur on Easterly aspects from the NW winds in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Two natural avalanches to size 2 have come down on north aspects in the alpine in the past 12 hours. Snowpack is settling but any increase in temperature and or wind transport could up the hazard again.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm snow will continue to be redistributed by predominantly NW winds at ridge tops in the high alpine . Storm slab could become more active if warmer temps and or higher winds develop.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Dry loose snow avalanches are still possible in steep rocky and unsupported terrain.

Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2014 4:00PM