Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2015 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Transitional or shallow terrain will be hidden under the new snow. Check your speed and have fun with the first spring snowfall.

Summary

Weather Forecast

All models seem to agree, winter is not completely over in the higher elevations. Continued inputs will bring aprox. 10cm overnight and continue into the early week. Freezing levels will remain high so it will be important to get above 2000ms to find the best turns.

Snowpack Summary

New snow overlying crusts exist up to 2200m on all aspects and extend higher on solar aspects. Above treeline, wind slabs up to 65cm thick can be found in isolated locations. Bonding of these slabs is good however a graupel and facet layer has moderate shear tests. Deeper weaknesses can be found near the base of the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

These soft slabs have bonded well in most locations. Slab depths range from 25 to 65cm. Slabs sit on a graupel layer around Marmot and a facet layer elsewhere. Moderate shear tests have been found on this interface.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2015 4:00PM