Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Jasper Snow Safety,
Parks Canada
Highway 93 will be closed at Friday at 10am from Parkers ridge to Saskatchewan crossing for avalanche control . Expected opening is 6pm with moderate confidence. The plan is for 2 hour temporary closures but no guarantees.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Thursday evening into Friday will bring potentially 20-30cm, -5 °C, light winds gusting to 35 km/h, and freezing level 1500 metres. Saturday will be 6 cm of snow, -17 to -12 °C, light winds, and freezing level at valley bottom. Sunday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, -19 to -13 °C, and light winds.
Snowpack Summary
25cm of recent new snow overlies a variety of surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. Wind slabs are continuously forming on lee aspects. The Columbia Icefields region has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern part of the forecast region is shallower and weaker. 20-30cm of snow may arrive Friday.
Avalanche Summary
Thursday's Icefield's patrol noted nothing new but visibility was poor. Yesterday Maligne patrol noted a few small natural avalanches in steep cross-loaded features at tree-line along the Colin Range.Â
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Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday
Problems
Storm Slabs
20-30cm of new snow is predicted Thursday night into Friday creating a storm slab condition. The rapid loading will likely increase natural activity.
- Use caution in alpine and open treeline lees. Recent snowfall has created storm slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with varied reactivity. Increasing snow load will elevate the hazard in the short term.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The incoming new snow will need some time to settle and stabilize.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2020 4:00PM
