Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2012 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

One size 3 avalanche was noted today off an alpine ridgetop likely cornice triggered. Another 15cm is expected Friday night with a possible E flow Saturday evening delivering additional accumulations at Maligne and Icefields.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thursday night Maligne received 30cm and Icefields 5-20cm. Another 10-15cm may arrive Friday into Saturday. Winds continue to build slabs and add load potentially to a slippery crust from earlier sun effect particularly on steep solar aspects.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The buried surface hoar layer 70-120cm down remains a concern in areas that have not avalanched. The layer is still being observed at treeline and below treeline locations yet 'generally' layers are bridging it above. Cautious of shallow locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Recent cloud cover has reduced daytime heating. Still be cautious if the sun pokes out as avalanche activity will increase quickly particularly on steep S or W aspect rock bluffs or gullies.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2012 4:00PM