Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2012 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Monitor the degree of overnight freezing as it relates to how quickly afternoon temperatures will have a destabilizing effect on the snowpack. It is the time of year to get an early start and be back in time for afternoon siesta.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

With extended sunny periods, expect to see loose snow avalanches originating from steep rock bluffs or gullies. Ice climbers need to start and end early.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The buried surface hoar layer 50-120cm down remains a concern in areas that have not avalanched. Whumphing is still being observed on North shaded glades below treeline. Be cautious of this layer as triggering it would be high consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Southwest winds continue to build windslabs and cornices on Northerly aspects. Recent avalanches have started from rock bluffs or cornice failures and have triggered deeper weak layers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2012 4:00PM