Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2016 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Found creamy turns in sheltered areas below tree-line. Busy Saturday on Parkway Ice-climbs. Keep vigilant to building overhead hazard.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Everything seems to be headed on a downward trend. Strong and extreme sw winds subsiding, snow tapering off (<10cm) and, temperatures dropping to arctic values (overnight values near -20).

Snowpack Summary

Variable winds and snow squalls though the Parkers area adding further load and snow for transport. Touchy wind slabs 50+cm on some open features at TL and above. Trump crust (Nov 12) is exposed in open Alpine features on the windward side and down 40 to 70cms or more in the lee. As usual, strong temperature gradient promoting facetting.

Avalanche Summary

Field team in Parkers and Hilda area on Saturday. Still seeing long shooting cracks in front of skis. Limited alpine observations due to poor visibility. Some evidence of a mid storm cycle.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Open lee slopes featuring new and possibly very reactive wind-slabs. Best to avoid traveling through these features.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2016 4:00PM