Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2015 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

A general cooling trend is expected through the weekend. The avalanche danger will rise rapidly if temperatures warm to above freezing and there is any significant solar radiation. Spring like conditions below treeline.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures and freezing levels will fall from the heat on Friday through the weekend. Expect some light precipitation overnight on Friday then skies clear Saturday afternoon. Clouds return on Sunday with up to 15 cm possible Sunday afternoon into Monday. Moderate to strong winds expected to continue.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps on Friday and cooling through the weekend will create a temperature crust on all aspects up to 2500m. Below this crust, a variety of layers and crusts exist with local variations thoughout the forecast area. A weak basal facet layer is present in most areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

A loose wet avalanche cycle occurred Friday afternoon primarily at treeline on easterly aspects up to size 2. Of note was a large size 3 slab on Mt. Saskatchewan on a steep NE facing alpine slope likely on the basal facet layer.

Confidence

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

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs are likely on lee aspects in the alpine. Older slabs are likely on northerly aspects at treeline.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2015 4:00PM