Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 10th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Jasper Snow Safety,
Parks Canada
Ski quality likely holding below treeline as extreme winds blast the alpine. Look for slab formation in non typical areas low in start zones and cross loaded features.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A low pressure system will bring light precip tonight through the am with strong to extreme SW winds. Unsettled weather through the week with decreasing temps.
Tonight: flurries to 5cm and overnight 5cm. Ridge winds SW strong to extreme.
Wed: isolated flurries. Alp High -10 °C. Ridge winds W mod.
More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast
Snowpack Summary
Strong to extreme SW winds transporting available fetch to outer space and lee aspects forming new windslab low in start zones. The Icefields has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern region is weak and shallow; bridging over the basal weakness is less reliable BTL.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed today. Numerous older loose dry observed on Sunday in the alpine up to size 2 in both the Icefields and Maligne zones . A size 2 cornice release was also observed entraining storm snow from a steep lee feature.
Share your observations: Mountain Information Network
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Widespread wind effect in the alpine with today's wind event. Windslabs continue to build lower down in lee start zones and in cross loaded features.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Ice climbers be cautious in areas where loading has stressed the snowpack. Top outs and ledges may be particularity sensitive due to recent snow and transport winds.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain..
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Little recent activity on this layer: initiating this layer is more likely from large loads such as cornice fall or from shallow snowpack areas.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 11th, 2020 4:00PM
