Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2016 4:00PM

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

Max Darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries for the Maligne and Icefields areas. 3 to 4cms Sunday evening with trace amounts expected through the beginning of the week. Valley bottom freezing levels and alpine temperatures to -5 C. Gusty westerly winds over the day Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Maligne/Jasper: Variable snow depth above tree-line, relative to exposure. Average HS 70cm. Surface wind slabs and persistent slab down 40-90cm. Icefields: Variable snow depth above tree-line, relative to exposure. Average HS 120cm. Widespread wind slabs overlaying supportive mid pack and weak base.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem was most active in the Maligne and surrounding Jasper area where the average snow pack is shallow but is proving much less active in the Columbia Icefield area.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Uniform wind slab has formed on most lee alpine and tree line slopes and cross-loaded features.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2016 4:00PM