Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2018 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet and Storm Slabs.

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Enjoy the new snow and mild temperatures. Be aware for changing conditions mid-afternoon.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mild temperatures and light variable winds expected through the weekend, with up to 10cm of new snow expected. Freezing levels to remain below treeline (2100m).

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of fresh snow with light (gusting moderate) Northerly winds has created fresh storm slabs in exposed areas. Incoming snow is falling on a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects below 3000m and old facetted wind slabs on polar aspects above 1700m. The weak Feb. 8th interface under the old windslabs remains a concern on high north aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose wet point release avalanches were observed in the Columbia Icefield area, primarily on steep solar aspects at treeline and below. These slides were generally in the size 1 - 1.5 range, with deeper accumulations noted in gully features. No slab avalanches were observed.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Expect the new snow to shed from steep rocky terrain.

Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs may sit on a hard melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, and facets on polar aspects, assess the bond at these interfaces carefully before committing to any avalanche start zones.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created storm slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2018 4:00PM