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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 21st, 2014–Mar 22nd, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Ski conditions are great but the snowpack is still unstable.  Best to avoid big terrain features and choose conservative lines!

Weather Forecast

Light flurries with little accumulation can be expected through the weekend.  Cold temperatures will persist with only light Northerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

40 cm of settled storm snow with little wind effect except in wind prone areas. This snow has buried various surfaces including windslab. The Feb. 10th drought layer is now almost a meter deep in the snowpack. Basal facets are still lurking at the base of this snowpack. Field teams in the Cavell area had widespread whumpfing on a moraine feature.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations today with teams in the Cavell area and a patrol to Saskatchewan Crossing.  Several large avalanches were observed earlier this week. These avalanches exhibited wide propagation, were primarily found in big East facing alpine terrain, and several were triggered by cornice fall.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The "drought layer" (Feb 10) has been sensitive in the past week, contributing to numerous large avalanches. Pay particular attention to moraines at treeline and cross-loaded features in the alpine.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Windslabs are forming in wind prone areas like below lee ridges at treeline and above.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2