Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 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, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The snow cover is presenting several avalanche problems that are quite elevation dependent. Pay attention to changing conditions as you move through the hills.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Strong south westerly winds and light precipitation are expected for the next 24 hours. Temperatures are expected to be mild, with above freezing temperatures in valley bottom locations and on sheltered southerly aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Gusty winds at all elevations and mild temperatures have lead to a touchy slab condition at tree line and in the alpine. The surface condition is now a stiff wind slab on exposed slopes.

Avalanche Summary

Several remote triggered avalanches were observed in the Parker Ridge and Hilda Creek area today. These stiff slabs were easily triggered from adjacent slopes. Two cornice release triggered slabs that stepped down to ground on steep rocky faces in the alpine today.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have created a slab condition in the alpine. Cornices are growing and we observed two cornice triggered avalanches today.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The recent storm snow, redistributed by wind is now over loading the snowpack. Several skier remote avalanches were observed today.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Expect the avalanche danger on sheltered solar aspects to be suspect during the heat of the day.

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

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2014 4:00PM