Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2014 4:00PM

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

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Watch for local accumulations and building avalanche danger over the weekend.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Heavy snow fall warning in effect for Jasper. Mild temperatures and up to 20cms new snow are expected through Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Additional mass added to the already weak snowpack will likely result in heightened avalanche danger this weekend. In the alpine storm and winds slabs are found and test with easy to moderate shears. Near treeline the midpack is supportive and untracked powder can be found in wind sheltered locations.

Avalanche Summary

Increased loading with new snow and wind forecast for the weekend will renew avalanche activity. Field teams noted debris of 2 sz 2.5 slab avalanches which had released in the last 48 hours on the basal facets at alpine elevations. Control work with large explosives produced avalanches to size 2 below on Thursday.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

New snow will likely overload deep weaknesses in the snowpack causing increased avalanche activity.

Avoid steep, open slopes.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Alpine and tree line winds had added a stiff wind slab to the weak snowpack. If this layer triggers it will likely step down to the basal weakness mentioned above.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid ice climbs that are in terrain traps below large start zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2014 4:00PM