Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

It is finally warming up. Watch for snowballing, sloughing, and water running on the cliffs around ice climbs - all are signs the snowpack is weakening from warm temps.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The arctic airmass and associated ridge of high pressure are finally breaking down. This is being driven by a series of lows moving inland bring warmer moister air over the region. Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine Low -15 °C, High -5 °C. Ridge wind Light South. Freezing Level 1400m.Mountain weather forecast available at Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

The warming trend will destabilize the upper snowpack, particularly where exposed to the sun. The upper snowpack remains generally facetted, but the surface has been sun affected on solar aspects. Wind effect is visible in open terrain from previous SW switching to N winds. The mid and lower snowpack is facetted but still generally carries skis.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

Cold temperatures have facetted/weakened the upper snowpack. Point release activity will increase with warming on steep solar aspects at all elevations.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Minimize exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of an avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak and facetted snowpack is about to be tested by warming temperatures, then some new snow, for the first time in over a month. Triggering of the basal weakness may become possible in areas where the snowpack above still retains some cohesion.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2019 4:00PM