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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 25th, 2014–Mar 26th, 2014
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Jasper.

Forecasted snowfall amounts are not certain. The overall hazard will increase over the day if the storm intensifies. Be particularly wary of your overhead hazard during periods of heavy loading.

Weather Forecast

Forecasted overnight snowfall expected to be around 15cms in the icefields area with light southerly winds. Expectations are high but it is not likely to initially overload the snowpack, yet. The snowfall will continue though the week and the hazard will increase at all elevations as volume increases.

Snowpack Summary

The ~40 cm of snow received last week has settled with minor wind effect in most areas. This has blanketed previous surfaces including sun crusts on solar aspects, wind slab below ridge lines and cross-loaded gulley features. The Feb10th drought layer is 50-100 cm deep and is the greatest concern for skier/climber triggering.

Avalanche Summary

One sz 2 cornice triggered avalanche on a steep east facing rock slab alpine feature observed today in the Winston Churchill region.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The "drought layer" (Feb 10) has been quietly dormant. Expected snowfall this week could 'wake' this layer up. Pay particular attention to moraines at treeline and cross-loaded features in the alpine.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Ever present in the forecast area, expect slabs in wind prone areas like below lee ridges at treeline and above and cross-loaded gulley features.
If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2