Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 16th, 2016–Mar 17th, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Good skiing at Parker Ridge in sheltered locations

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

Avalanche 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