Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2015 4:35PM

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

A.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Sunny conditions on Sunday will be inviting. Resist the urge to go into steep terrain until the new storm snow has stabilized. Ice climbers, expect the new snow to sluff from above especially when the sun hits.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The storm should have blown through by Sunday morning.Â Cool clear conditions can be expected with temperature slowly rising through the week.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy snow has fallen at treeline and above.Â Strong SW winds are building storm slab on lee aspects.Â Deep persistent weaknesses (crusts and basal facets) exist at the base of the snowpack.Â Cool temperatures will stabilize snowpack below treeline.Â Sluffing out of steep terrain and cliffs is likely.

Avalanche Summary

Very poor visibility so no observations for high elevations.Â Sluffing out of steep terrain was observed at peak of storm.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Sunday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs and strong SW winds are creating slab conditions on lee aspects. Triggering of these new slabs is likely.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger for this slumbering giant.

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

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2015 4:00PM