Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2012 4:33PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

landon shepherd, Parks Canada

Jasper.

If the sun comes out, solar exposed slopes are likely to experience soft slab releases and sloughing.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Recent natural avalanche activity has declined but this snowpack weakness remains very touchy and easily collapses with skier presence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

SW winds are creating new wind slabs primarily in the alpine but also in exposed treeline locations. These slabs will be reactive even if they do not have preserved surface hoar beneath them.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Strong solar radiation is tightening the recent storm snow on solar aspects. Forecast warm temps with continued solar effect is expected. Ice climbers on solar aspects should expect soft slabs, snowballing and sloughing in the PM.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2012 4:00PM