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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 17th, 2021–Mar 18th, 2021
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
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
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

Regions: Jasper.

Icefields Parkway will remain closed for maintenance until Thursday afternoon. Check Alberta511 for updated information.

Weather Forecast

Approaching front will bring high light clouds which should filter the UV and keep the surface snow cool. Cold overnight recoveries help to maintain the structure of the snowpack. Isolated sun and clouds will mean localized areas of instability. 

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps and high solar input has created typical spring like conditions with moist snow on solar aspects from daytime heating, TL and below. Continuing SW winds have redistributed the snow pack, forming hard slabs in the ALP. The mid pack is supportive in deep areas, but shallow snowpack areas are weak and will break down fast with temp swings.

Avalanche Summary

Control operations produced several loose wet slabs on previously controlled terrain.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Varied sensitivity on solar aspects, likelihood increases on the steepest slopes. It ay nbe possible to trigger deeper instabilities once initiated.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

More activity noted at this layer, mostly initiated by large loads (cornices) in steep terrain.

  • Consider that avalanches may run further than expected as they entrain this loose surface snow.
  • Watch for moist surface snow over crust on steeper solar aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices can be extremely destructive alone or, may initiate deeper layers in the snowpack below.

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3