Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2012 6:38PM

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

Landon Shepherd, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Not all areas have enough snow depth or bridging strength to prevent a skier from triggering the buried surface hoar.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The buried surface hoar layer remains a concern in areas that have not avalanched following the recent March snow storms. Solar effect is a likely trigger in the afternoon on west through south facing terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Surface snow is responding to the strong solar radiation effect that happens in March and April. Ice climbers should also be wary of large pillows of snow still overhanging routes on solar aspects.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Primarily southwest moderate alpine winds continue to form slabs on lee aspects, but variable winds during the recent snow storms have reverse loaded some features. Smaller windslab avalanches may step down to deeper instabilities.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2012 4:00PM