Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2016 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Avoid steep unsupported slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing level 1500m and light flurries next few days. Temperatures will be seasonal with relatively good overnight freeze. Winds expected to be light SW.

Snowpack Summary

Expect wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain above 2000m. The persistent slab is down 40-70cm and is easily triggered in the Whistler/Portal areas even on low angle slopes but is stubborn in the Icefields. Lower elevation snowpack is facetted and weak.

Avalanche Summary

No field patrol Monday. Previous reports of numerous remotely triggered avalanches to size 2 on slope angles as little as 15 deg around Marmot Pass along with widespread whumphing and cracking. Whumphing and cracking also noted in the Maligne area. In contrast, no reports of any propagations in the Icefields area.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem is very active in the Whistler/Portal Creek area with remotely triggered avalanches being reported on very low angle terrain. The problem is also active in the Maligne area but is stubborn in the Icefields area.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Expect slab development immediate to lee ridge lines and cross loaded features. Bonding should be good but progress cautiously into steeper terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2016 4:00PM