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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 11th, 2018–Mar 12th, 2018
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Spring has sprung. An early start, and avoidance during the heat of the day is essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain right now.

Weather Forecast

An upper level ridge remains over our area until mid-week.Monday: Sunny, Alpine High 0, Low -3. Ridge winds Light West. Freezing Level 2300m.Tuesday: Sunny, Alpine High 2, Low -2.  Ridge winds Light SW. Freezing level 2600m.Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Snowpack Summary

A melt freeze cycle is in progress at treeline and below. Expect moist surface snow and loose wet avalanches on solar aspects in the afternoon. In open areas in the alpine and at treeline the upper snowpack is generally wind effected. Previous cold temps have left a weak mid and lower snowpack structure in most locations.

Avalanche Summary

A loose wet natural avalanche cycle to size 2.0 was observed on a road patrol in the Maligne area on Sunday.  Avalanche control at Marmot Basin on Saturday produced a size 2.0 cornice failure and one size 2.0 windslab avalanche. Report of an avalanche involvement on Kitty Hawk Satruday. Report of an avalanche on Polar Circus Friday.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Late afternoon problem in steep, solar rocky terrain. Also found to be entraining the surrounding, facetted snowpack and will build up volume and speed quickly.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

As daily temperature swings push further and further in to  the upper snowpack, slab avalanches may occur at several interfaces within the facetted and structurally weak mid and lower snowpack.
Travel early before the heat of the day melts surface crusts, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.Be wary of large slopes that did not previously avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3