Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2019 5:41PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

At these temperatures even a minor injury could have severe consequences, plan your day accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A strong ridge of high pressure dominates the North & Central Rockies until Wednesday, dragging cold air down from Alaska. Tuesday: Sunny with cloudy periods developing in the PM. Low of -23 C and High of -18 C with light winds from the North.A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

50cm recent storm snow came with strong Northerly winds. This storm snow overloaded the Jan 18 persistent weakness (SH in sheltered areas, crust on exposed solar slopes) in deeper snowpack areas, and the weak and facetted base of the snowpack in shallow areas (deep persistent weakness), resulting in a natural cycle of large avalanche activity.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control work Monday, between the Icefields and Saskatchewan crossing, produced several large (size 2-2.5) persistent and deep persistent slab avalanches.A natural cycle of large slab avalanches occurred during the most recent storm.Help forecast - share observations HERE, on the Mountain Information Network!

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Up to 50cm of recent snow followed by strong winds has built thick slabs well into the terrain.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Carefully assess open slopes at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

New snow with strong winds recently overloaded the deep persistent weakness.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Loose Dry

Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain when the sun is on it.

Be cautious with gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2019 4:00PM