Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mild alpine temperatures to -2 with freezing levels rising to 1900ms. Trace flurries starting Wednesday morning. Gusty SW winds through the day.

Snowpack Summary

Moist surface snow and, where a shallower snowpack exists, isothermal conditions BLT on solar aspects. Overall, the snowpack is shallow but there is significant variation through-out the forecasting area. The persistent slab, down 30-70cms has been most active in the surrounding area off the ski hill. This layer can be triggered from thin spots.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new to report.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem is still a concern in the Whistler/Portal Creek area. This, along with most recent rain means this area will be in very poor shape for travel.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

First indicators of this problem showing up. Easy enough to avoid but, larger slides, triggered in the deep weaknesses can quickly become a significant issue for groups traveling in the valley bottoms or run outs.

Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.Minimize exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach run out zones.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2016 4:00PM