Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2015 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Some forecasts are calling for a pulse of snow early next week in the Icefields area (fingers crossed).

Summary

Weather Forecast

Some flurries and moderate to strong south westerly winds as the temperatures return to more seasonal values. Some forecasts are predicting a pulse of snow early next week.

Snowpack Summary

A supportive mid pack consisting of rounded and facetted layers is bridging the weak depth hoar/facet layers that make up the lower snowpack. Some wind slabs are developing in sheltered alpine locations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today. Limited observations.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds are redistributing snow into slabs on sheltered aspects and cross loaded features in the alpine.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural and human triggering is unlikely but it is still a good practice to avoid steep, open, rocky slopes with a shallow snowpack.

Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2015 4:00PM