Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 28th, 2015–Mar 29th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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