Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2015 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Colder conditions should help in the recovery of the lower elevation snowpack. Any significant day time warming, solar effect or rain will lead to a rapid deterioration in the snowpack stability - thereby raising the likelihood of wet slides.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cooling temperatures overnight Saturday should help with a partial recovery of the lower elevation snowpack. Some snow above treeline is forecast for Sunday and Monday in the Icefields area.

Snowpack Summary

Warming and cooling cycle is creating a temperature crust on all aspects up to 2500m. Below this crust, a variety of layers exist with the weak basal facet layer being present in most areas at treeline and above. Any remaining snow on solar aspects below tree line has gone isothermal.

Avalanche Summary

The loose wet avalanche cycle that occurred on Friday has abated with field teams only observing two wet slides on northerly aspects to size 2. The size 3 slab on Mt. Saskatchewan that failed on the basal facet layer highlights the issue of this lingering deep persistent weakness.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs are likely on lee aspects and cross loaded features in high alpine locations.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2015 4:00PM