Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2014 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Variability across the forecast area exists in wind slab development and snowfall amounts. Careful evaluation of specific slopes is essential for safe travel. Excellent ski quality can be found in most areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Flurries will continue through the weekend with daily accumulations between 5 to 10 cm. Light NE winds will continue until Friday then winds will shift to SW and pickup to Moderate. Temperatures will warm with this wind shift with afternoon freezing levels rising to 1500 m.

Snowpack Summary

Total storm snow over the Mar 15 interface is approx. 40 cm but quite variable. Open areas in the southern forecast area are showing more surface wind effect. The Mar 15 interface is weak made up of facets over variable surfaces depending on aspect and exposure. Little slab development has been observed to date.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations along the Icefields Parkway however poor visibility conditions existed.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect slabs in wind prone areas like below lee ridges at treeline and above and cross-loaded gulley features.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

he "drought layer" (Feb 10) has been dormant for over a week now. Warming temperatures and continued wind-loading could 'wake' this layer up.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2014 4:00PM