Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2014 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2014 4:00PM