Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2015 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continuing mild with moderate to strong south westerly winds at upper elevations. Isolated flurries are forecast for the Icefields area.

Snowpack Summary

A supportive mid pack consisting of rounded and facetted layers is bridging the weak depth hoar/facet layers that make up the lower snowpack. Wind slabs are developing in sheltered alpine locations from moderate to strong SW winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported by our field team today.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds are redistributing snow into slabs on sheltered aspects and cross loaded features in the alpine.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Overcast conditions are unlikely to lead to any overnight refreeze of the snow pack at lower elevations. As such, solar aspects BTL could be prone to loose snow slides whenever the sun makes an appearance.

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

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural and human triggering is unlikely but it is still a good practice to avoid steep, open, rocky slopes with a shallow snowpack.

Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2015 4:00PM