Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2016 4:00PM

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

tim mcallister, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Heads up in the afternoon on solar aspects- loose wet avalanches are becoming more frequent.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Blue skis and cool temps. Overnight lows near or below -15C. Light to moderate Southwest winds.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 20cms of localized HST in sheltered locations at TL over a supportive mid-pack. This is sitting on a weak basil facet layer. BTL, the HS is more inconsistent in depth and support. Solar aspects have a thin sun crust down 20cms and producing moderate to hard resistant compression test results.Â

Avalanche Summary

Activity observed in field trips today seem to be the result of cornice failures and wind loading, triggering the basil weakness in the snowpack. Two new avalanches observed above the Maligne road appear to be solar triggered.Â

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are bonding well, however caution is still warranted in immediate lees and cross loaded terrain above treeline.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers of decomposed surface hoar, facets, and depth hoar can be found in many locations. Although these layers have been stubborn to trigger underfoot but, will trigger with a heavy load, like cornice failure.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches, especially in the later afternoon, are possible on south and westerly aspects.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2016 4:00PM