Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2014 4:03PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The weak basal layer could still be triggered from shallow or rocky features so use caution in your choice of terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Remaining cold with the odd isolated flurry of snow.

Snowpack Summary

Previous wind slabs are providing bridging strength over a weak basal facet layer at treeline and alpine elevations. Extensive scouring of the snowpack has occurred in the high alpine. Last nights snow is giving dust on crust conditions and soft slabs in sheltered locations.

Avalanche Summary

Field teams observed three size 2 slab avalanches that occurred in the last 12 hours on southerly aspects at treeline. These had been triggered by last nights snow and strong northerly winds redistributing snow onto the existing surface hoar/facet layer.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is now bridged by a strong mid and upper snowpack but could still be triggered from shallow or rocky terrain.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Strong northerly winds have redistributed snow onto isolated locations at treeline and alpine elevations.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2014 4:00PM