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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 18th, 2021–Mar 19th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Generally safe avalanche conditions.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated solar features.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Flurries. Light SW winds.

Friday: Cloudy with sun, isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: High -5 °C. Ridge wind SW: 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Freezing level: 1600 m.

Saturday: Flurries. Accumulation: 6 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -13 °C, High -7 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps and high solar input has created typical spring like conditions with moist snow on solar aspects from daytime heating, TL and below. Continuing SW winds have redistributed the snow pack, forming hard slabs in the ALP. The mid pack is supportive in deep areas, but shallow snowpack areas are weak and will break down fast with temp swings.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Varied sensitivity on solar aspects, likelihood increases on the steepest slopes. It may be possible to trigger deeper instabilities once initiated.

  • Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

More activity noted at this layer, mostly initiated by large loads (cornices) in steep terrain.

  • Watch for moist surface snow over crust on steeper solar aspects.
  • Consider that avalanches may run further than expected as they entrain this loose surface snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices can be extremely destructive alone or, may initiate deeper layers in the snowpack below.

  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3