Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2014 4:00PM

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

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Avalanche control is planned for the Icefields Parkway between Saskatchewan Crossing and Parker Ridge on Tuesday. Estimated road closure in this area is 1030 to 1600.We are expecting the sun to be quite intense on solar aspects tomorrow.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We are expecting the sun to pack a punch tomorrow with treeline and below treeline solar aspects to be most affected. Snow returns at the weekend with some models giving up to 20cm in the Icefields area.

Snowpack Summary

Variable distribution of recent storm snow, with the deepest amounts in the 45cm range in the Columbia Icefields area. Minimal wind affect other than exposed areas at upper elevation. Feb10 interface is down 60-90cm and has been dormant recently. Lots of snow available for transport.

Avalanche Summary

Avalauncher control work in the Medicine Lake area yesterday produced several size 2.5 slabs which ran to the lower third of the path and numerous loose dry slides to size 2. Road patrols in the Columbia Icefields area had limited visibility but did report some small slides on solar aspects in the afternoon.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Loose Dry

Intermittent breaks in the cloudy weather is consistently producing loose slides to size 2 as the sun hits recent storm snow.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Expect slabs in wind prone areas like lee ridges at treeline and cross-loaded gulley features in the alpine.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Although the Feb10 layer (down 60-90cm) has been dormant in the past several days, it remains a concern and has produced several large avalanches this week. Large triggers and shallow areas may still produce avalanches failing at this interface.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2014 4:00PM