Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2019 4:10PM

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

jasper snow safety, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Good skiing is found on sheltered treeline features and below

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expecting up to 5mm of precip by Wednesday morning with strong to moderate westerly winds at ridge tops. Starting Wednesday afternoon a mix of sun and cloud with temps ranging from -5C to -10C until the weekend approaches with freezing levels expected to rise to 2300m. A detailed mountain weather forecast is available from Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

New wind slabs and wind effect in the alpine and exposed TL. 10cm of new, low density snow overlies a mix of old surfaces (facets and/or surface hoar and sun crust). This, over a strong mid-pack sitting on the deep persistent weaknesses of facets and depth-hoar.

Avalanche Summary

One new wind slab size 1.5 triggered by a cornice in the Parkers Ridge Area. Areas of concern are where overhead cornices threaten unevenly distributed snowpack areas. (where deep basal weakness may exist). Be a part of the Avalanche Forecasting team by reporting your field trip this weekend on Avalanche Canada's Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds over the weekend have created new windslabs over a mix of surface conditions (facets, surface hoar, crust).

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Use caution in shallow uneven snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2019 4:00PM