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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 31st, 2017–Apr 1st, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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.

Solar radiation will rapidly and dramatically increase the avalanche danger at all elevations if it occurs . Pay close attention to freezing levels.

Weather Forecast

Snow at the icefields over Sat and Sun, total 15cm. Winds Mod SW alpine highs -4. FzL 1,800m

Snowpack Summary

Temp surface crusts below 1,700m on all aspects, extending to treeline on Solar facing slopes. Below the crust at lower elevations the snowpack is turning isothermal.  Thin soft wind slabs at ridge features which stiffen and thicken with elevation. The midpack is consolidated and providing bridging strength over a weak and faceted snowpack base.

Avalanche Summary

Several slab avalanches  size 2-3  from steep easterly facing alpine terrain. These were likely triggered by cornice failures and stepped down to basal layers running into the valley bottom. Explosive work at lower elevations produced several class 2 moist snow avalanches.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Sunday

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Large cornices on ridge top lee features continue to build with strong SW winds. Their sheer mass is a problem. Recent alpine releases have resulted in large slab avalanches.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The deep persistent slab can be triggered by travelers from shallow or weak locations or naturally from large loads such as cornice failure or windslab avalanches.
Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Avoid paths that have not avalanched recently.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Strong  SW winds in the alpine have produced wind slabs from recent snow fall. These will be most reactive at upper elevations near ridge features. If triggered they may step down to deep basal weakness.
Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3