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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 10th, 2020–Mar 11th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

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. 

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

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Avalanche 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: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

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: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

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: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5