Avalanche Bulletin - Jasper National Park
Issued Wed Feb 04, 2015 17:00
Valid Until Thu Feb 05, 2015 17:00

Danger Ratings: Thursday

Alpine: 2 - Moderate, 
Treeline: 1 - Low, 
Below Treeline: 1 - Low

Confidence: Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Observations

Problem 1: Wind Slabs

Windslabs have developed on lee and cross loaded features at alpine elevations.

Elevation - treeline, alpine
Slopes - southeast, east, northeast, north, northwest
Chance of Avalanches - possible
Expected Size - small -> large
Travel and Terrain Advice: Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

Problem 2: Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer remains a concern in isolated areas above treeline and may be triggered by large loads 
such as cornices, surface slides or from shallow areas by skiers. The entire snowpack throughout 
the forecast region is sitting on 20cm of depth hoar.

Elevation - alpine, treeline
Slopes - northeast, east, southeast, north, south, southwest, west, northwest
Chance of Avalanches - unlikely -> possible
Expected Size - small -> large
Travel and Terrain Advice: Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites. Use
caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.


Weather Forecast

Snow is forecasted for the region beginning on Thursday. The intensity of snow will increase on 
Friday and then taper off Saturday.  Up to 40cm is expected. Along with the snow, temperatures 
will rise and winds will increase, from the southwest.

Snowpack Discussion

Surface hoar developed overnight. 5-20cm of new snow sits on the rain crust that formed last week.  
The rain crust can be found on all aspects up to 2100m. Wind slabs can be found on lee aspects and 
cross loaded features in the alpine.

Avalanche Activity Discussion

No new avalanches observed along the Icefields Parkway today.  Good visibility