Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 6th, 2014 4:00PM

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

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Ski quality is top notch in the Jasper backcountry. Pay attention to the effects of new snow, increased winds and rising temperatures over the course of the weekend.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moderate snow falls, increased wind and the potential for rapid warming are in the forecast for the weekend. Accumulations may be in excess of 25 cm at higher elevation near the Columbia Icefield Area.

Snowpack Summary

The new snow has come in cold and with very little wind. Field tests at tree line today showed an easy failure of the mid pack over basal facets and depth hoar but nothing related to the storm snow. With the forecast rising temperatures, new snow and increased wind we anticipate the avalanche danger to rise at all elevations over the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

Little wind has accompanied the new snow of the past two days. Sluffing out of steep terrain may be of concern, particularly for ice climbers.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

This problem has yet to materialize in full force, but with rising temperatures and forecast winds we expect this surface condition to become quite touchy over the weekend.

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2014 4:00PM