Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 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 Dry.

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The Maligne Road will remain closed through the weekend for avalanche control. The Icefields Parkway is currently closed due to road conditions; Expected opening is Sunday afternoon by 12:00. Call 780-852-3311 or visit www.511.alberta.ca for info.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowfall expected to resume Saturday night, bringing as much as 20cm by Monday morning. Precipitation will then taper off with clearing skies midweek with light SW winds before a significant pressure drop and another storm late in the week. Freezing levels to remain below 1800m throughout the week. Solar radiation gaining strength.

Snowpack Summary

Total storm snow over the Mar 15 interface is approx. 45 cm but quite variable. Open areas in the southern forecast area are showing more surface wind effect. The Mar 15 interface is weak made up of facets over variable surfaces depending on aspect and exposure. Little slab development has been observed to date.

Avalanche Summary

One skier accidental size 2.5 slab was reported from Thursday afternoon in the Shangri-La area. Road patrols in the Columbia Icefield Area on Saturday reported a size 2.5 storm slab on an East aspect at 2400m and several smaller storm slabs (sz 1) on steep alpine terrain. Solar aspects were shedding in the afternoon when the sun came out.

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 above and cross-loaded gulley features.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The "drought layer" (Feb 10) has been dormant for over a week now. Warming temperatures and continued wind-loading could 'wake' this layer up.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Spring sun is gaining in intensity. Expect solar aspects to shed snow during the heat of the day, especially when the skies are clear.

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, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2014 4:00PM