Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 17th, 2016 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Caution still advised in Portal/Whistler Creek as persistent slab still a concern. Intense solar radiation and rising freezing levels on the weekend may act as a trigger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cool and clear on friday with light winds and no precipitation. Skis remain clear until Sunday with the freezing level increasing to 2500 m by the end of the weekend.Â

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is generally shallow and poorly consolidated, significant variation exists within the forecasting area. Test results in Portal Crk , 15th, showed mod-hard results dwn 60cm on facets 2-3mm with a sudden planar character. This layer could be trigger from thin areas. Alpine windslab on lee slopes and melt/freeze crust below Treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem was most active in the Maligne and surrounding Jasper area where the average snow pack is shallow but is proving much less active in the Columbia Icefield area.

Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Uniform wind slab has formed on most lee alpine and tree line slopes and cross-loaded features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 18th, 2016 4:00PM