Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 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.

Max Darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light scattered flurries throughout the weekend, amounting to 10cm by Sunday evening. Temperatures to remain cool above treeline, with good overnight recovery. Winds expected to be in the moderate range from the Southwest, gusting to strong. Freezing levels will creep up to 2100m during the heat of the day.

Snowpack Summary

New thin wind slab on lee and crossloaded terrain above 2000m. Persistent weak layer down 40-70cm remains a concern but has been dormant of late. Snowpack is facetted at lower elevations, making for difficult travel. Depth hoar is widespread and is a potential sliding layer with large triggers such as cornice fall or other avalanches.

Avalanche Summary

Several reports of remotely triggered slab avalanches in the alpine in wind loaded areas up to size 2 over the past 72 hours. These slides went on old snow and are especially prevalent in areas that have not seen skier traffic this winter.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers of decomposed surface hoar, facets, and depth hoar are in many locations. These layers have been stubborn to trigger underfoot but could be triggered by cornice failure or from shallow spot and release to ground.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Expect slab development immediate to lee ridge lines and cross loaded features. Bonding should be suspect, progress cautiously into steeper terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2016 4:00PM