Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 25 – 26, 2016Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=23025&oPark=100244Human triggered avalanches are possible and have the potential to be large and destructive. Be cautious of thin snowpack areas and limit your exposure to large slopes. With warm afternoons its best to get an early start and end early.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Some cornice failures are being noted. It can act as a large trigger initiating deep weaknesses plus their sheer mass, whether or not it initiates an avalanche, would be like being hit by a car.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This problem has been most active in the Whistler/Portal Creek area but is widespread through the forecast region. When triggered, it will be big with serious consequences. Warm and sunny conditions will increase this danger.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    This problem is subject to intense periods of solar radiation. In shallow snowpack spots and sunny conditions, the danger rating will rapidly increase.

Weather Forecast

Friday and Saturday will have 1600m freezing level with -10 Celsius overnight. Saturday will be variable cloud with periods of sun. Light westerly winds through weekend. Sunday-Monday will have increased clouds and 2-4cm of snow, perhaps higher amounts in Marmot basin area. Sunday night may have less of a freeze.

Snowpack Summary

Moist surface snow in the afternoons and isothermal conditions in shallow spots BTL on solar aspects. Overnight -10 Celsius helping with morning freeze. There is significant variation in snowpack depth through-out the area with a large proportion being shallow. The persistent slab down 30-70cms has been most active in the area around the ski hill.

Avalanche Summary

Thursday's field team in the Icefields area report only minor pin-wheels and snow-balling on immediate solar aspects. No field patrol Friday.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered