Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2014 4:00PM

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

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Uncertainty is high. Few natural avalanches have been observed but a significant slab avalanche that stepped down to ground was accidentally released by a skier near Shangri-la on Thursday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow and cool temperatures are expected for the weekend. Temperatures are expected to climb next week.

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

Two size 1.5 to 2 avalanches were observed on steep south facing slopes today. One skier accidental size 2.5 slab was reported from Thursday afternoon in the Shangri-La area.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs in immediate lee areas have the potential to step down and create large full depth avalanches.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This avalanche condition is quite uncertain and large slopes should be treated with caution. Especially those with recent wind loading or those that face the sun.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Two avalanches were triggered by the sun today.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2014 4:00PM