Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 4th, 2019–Mar 5th, 2019

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

The clear and warm streak continues. Be aware of day time warming as it will increase the avalanche hazard.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Precip: Nil High -8 C. Ridge wind east: 10 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Precip: Trace Low -16 C, High -5 C. Ridge wind south: 10-25 km/h. Freezing level: 1400 meters.Mountain weather forecast available at Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack remains faceted on all aspects. S and W aspects are starting to show signs of solar input. Wind effect in open terrain from previous SW and now N winds. Much of the mid-pack is faceted with some strength and support on skis but not always under foot. The warming trend on Wednesday will destabilize the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

A field team ice climbing down south today noticed previously baked solar slopes from previous warm days, no new avalanche noted today.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

Cold temperatures continue to facet the surface snow causing it to loose cohesion. Point release activity will increase with strong solar input on steep S and W aspects at all elevations.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal weakness (aka depth hoar) is generally dormant; however, these may be possible to trigger in isolated shallow snowpack places.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5