Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2017 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The Icefields Parkway North of Saskatchewan Cross and Maligne Lake road are currently closed with avalanche control taking place on Saturday

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow will continue through the night with upwards of 30cm forecast. Winds at and above treeline will be moderate to Strong from the SW. Temperatures will cool to -12 where they will remain during Saturday as the storm passes. A cooling trend will follow. Lows of -19 near treeline and on Sat night as winds become lighter and shift to the south.

Snowpack Summary

Under the influence of moderate to strong SW winds 15cm of new snow has fallen during the day in the icefields area. This amount is expected to double overnight. Storm slabs are building at treeline and above over a weak and unstable snowpack below. Below treeline the snowpack is unsupported with weak facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

With whiteout conditions and steady snow there have been no reported avalanches due to poor visibility. However, the danger and likelihood of natural avalanche is currently high and will remain so until the weather system passes. All avalanche terrain should be considered suspect and avoided as large far running avalanches are expected.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Reactive storms slabs are building and may be up to 50cm thick by Saturday morning. If triggered these are likely to trigger deeper instabilities producing larger avalanches.

Avoid all avalanche terrain.Conditions are Extreme. Avoid backcountry: stick to ski resorts or trackset cross country trails.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Under the additional load of ongoing snow large avalanches are expected from this layer.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Dry

Loose snow avalanche can be expected from all steep rocky features which may then channel into gulleys or trigger deeper avalanches from open slopes.

Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2017 4:00PM