Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2014 4:00PM

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

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Avalanche control is planned for the Icefields Parkway between Saskatchewan Crossing and Parker Ridge on Tuesday. Estimated road closure in this area is 1030 to 1600.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow continues on Monday with variable distribution up to 10cm and then tapers as a clearing trend moves in for Tuesday.Â Wind mainly Southwesterly and light. Freezing levels to remain below 1600m and temps reaching a low of -16 overnight on Monday but warming quickly as the solar radiation is expected to be strong on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Variable distribution of recent storm snow, with the deepest amounts in the 45cm range in the Columbia Icefields area. Minimal wind affect other than exposed areas at upper elevation. Feb10 interface is down 60-90cm and has been dormant recently. Lots of snow available for transport.

Avalanche Summary

Avalaunche control work in the Medicine Lake area today produced several size 2.5 slabs which ran to the lower third of the path and numerous loose dry slides to size 2.Â Road patrols in the Columbia Icefields area had limited visibility but did report 1 sz 2 natural avalanche on a North aspect at treeline - 50-75cm deep and 50m wide.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect slabs in wind prone areas like below lee ridges at treeline and cross-loaded gulley features in the alpine.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Intermittent breaks in the cloudy weather is consistently producing loose dry sloughing to size 2 as the sun hits recent storm snow.

Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Although the Feb10 layer (down 60-90cm) has been dormant in the past several days, it remains a concern and has produced several large avalanches this week. Large triggers and shallow areas may still produce avalanches failing at this interface.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2014 4:00PM