Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2016 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Good skiing at Parker Ridge in sheltered locations

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cool temperatures with gust strong W ridge top winds into friday. Expect snowfall to spotty but may be intense for a short periods of time. Sunny breaks can be expected with freezing levels rising to 1200m on Friday and 1500m over the weekend. Cold overnight temperature over the next two days will maintain the supportive crusts at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is generally shallow and poorly consolidated, significant variation exists within the forecasting area. Test results in Portal Crk , 15th, showed mod-hard results dwn 60cm on facets 2-3mm with a sudden fracture character. This layer could be hard to trigger but could go big if it was. Windslab in the alpine and suncrust below Treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem was most active in the Maligne and surrounding Jasper area where the average snow pack is shallow but is proving much less active in the Columbia Icefield area.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Uniform wind slab has formed on most lee alpine and tree line slopes and cross-loaded features.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2016 4:00PM