Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2015 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Snow, strong winds and rising temperatures on Sunday are perfect conditions for the development of wind slab. Heads up out there.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A pulse of snow starting on Sunday (15cm in the Icefields area and 6cm in the Jasper area) will be accompanied by strong Westerly winds and rising temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is highly variable throughout the forecast region. Alpine elevations are very wind effected with some drifting at higher elevations from moderate to strong south westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

One large avalanche observed running on steep rock slabs on Whistler Mountain which was likely triggered by redistributed blowing snow.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong South Westerly winds are redistributing existing snow as slab onto sheltered aspects and cross loaded features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The weak layer of surface hoar and facets from December can still be found and may become susceptible to triggering with more snow loading.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 18th, 2015 4:00PM