Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2012 4:00PM

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

Garth Lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Potentially 35cm of snow or 20mm+ of water equivalency by Monday. Currently, snowing and strong to extreme winds through Icefields developing windslabs at all elevations. Natural activity to increase with overloading of surface hoar layer.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds gusting extreme through the Icefields from variable directions alpine - below treeline. Snow transport occurring creating various thickness windslabs over weak surface hoar layer. Several windpressed gullies avalanched naturally up to size 2.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Open slopes on Northeast to South aspects have persistent slabs that are sitting on the Valentine's Day surface hoar 20-60cm down. 35cm of snow may arrive Saturday-Monday potentially overloading slopes increasing natural activity.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2012 4:00PM