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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 15th, 2020–Mar 16th, 2020
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Be weary of hard slabs in large alpine/treeline features.

Weather Forecast

A warm upper ridge over the eastern Pacific is beginning to move in from the west, which will gradually flush out the Arctic air that was entrenched over most of Western Canada.  More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast

Snowpack Summary

A variety of wind affected surfaces. Wide spread scouring, stripping in exposed places. Hard slabs, soft slabs, sastrugi now present. The Icefields area has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern region is weaker with less bridging midpack strength above basals and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Today: Few size 1-2 loose dry in steep alpine steep rock/gullies due to solar.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Previous NE winds reverse loaded alpine features North of Sask x'ing. More evident in the North bulletin area. This, in combination with basal facet issue produced a few random large destructive avalanches yesterday.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Several natural large avalanches observed yesterday due to the combination of rapid wind loading initiating basal facets or reloaded bed surfaces.

Mnt Athabasca ramp route ran size 3.5. Impressive avalanche running into the rock basin below.

  • Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.
  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5