Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 20th, 2012–Mar 21st, 2012

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

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

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

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Avalanche 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