Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2017 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The avalanche hazard will increase on Friday as a storm is predicted to bring up to 25 cm of snow with strong southerly winds.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will warm slightly on Thursday as SW winds pick up. Expecting up to 25 cm of snow through Friday with moderate to strong Southerly winds. The storm eases on Saturday as snow turns to flight flurries and wind and temperatures drop.

Snowpack Summary

Thin windslab forming from Mod to Strong SW winds over previous windslabs and facets on alpine and open treeline slopes. Below treeline is unsupportive with a mix of weak facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

1 new size 2 slab avalanche observed out of steep terrain on a NE aspect at 2400m off Mt. Kerkeslin.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin windslabs are building on lee aspects.

Use caution in lee and cross-loaded areas. Recent wind loading has created new wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Trigger possible from shallow spots.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs are buried under the light snow that has accumulated. Be vigilant particularly in sheltered spots where buried surface hoar may be lurking.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2017 4:00PM