Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2019 4:00PM

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

jasper snow safety, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Generally safe avalanche conditions but its still worth keeping a healthy sense of uncertainty when traveling in our shallow, cold, Rockies snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Saturday will be sun with clouds, warming in the afternoon sun, -22 C, and dry conditions as the arctic air rules supreme over our region. Winds will be light Easterly. Sunday will be cloudy, no new snow, Low -25 C, High -16 C, and light East winds. Mountain weather forecast available at Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack remains faceted on all aspects. Wind effect in open terrain from previous SW and now N winds. Much of the mid-pack is faceted with some strength and support on skis but not under foot. Isolated sensitivity to Jan 18th layer at treeline and below, but not consistent to all areas. Large depth hoar on the ground at all locations.

Avalanche Summary

Field team in the Maligne, Bald Hills region got no results on field tests from a snow profile at 2200m. No recent avalanche activity in the area.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

Point release activity can increase with strong solar input particularly on steep S and W aspects at all elevations. Cold temperatures continue to facet the surface snow causing it to loose cohesion.

Minimize exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of an avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal weakness (aka depth hoar) is generally dormant; however, these may be possible to trigger in isolated shallow snowpack places.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2019 4:00PM