Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Expect spot closures Monday for avalanche control on Hwy 93 north from Saskatchewan Crossing to Parkers Ridge in the afternoon.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The bulk of the storm has moved through the but short pulses of snow continue to bring a few more cms into the forecast area. Broken skies and warm temps are forecast for the coming week.

Snowpack Summary

40cm of storm snow has settled into a 25cm soft slab which has not produced too much natural activity in the lower elevations. From the top down, the snowpack has an upside down feeling to it right now, with the warm heavier snow on top and the cooler below. Rain soaked snow below 1500ms.

Avalanche Summary

One sz 2 loose slide observed on a west aspect from the steep rocks in the Nigel Basin in the Ice fields area. Visibility was sporadic at times and difficult to get a look into the alpine.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Very little natural activity has been observed in the storm snow in the lower elevation bands. Loose wet slides will become the concern as the storm passes and the sun bakes the solar aspect.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

We have had very limited observations in the alpine due to visibility. Be especially cautious as you approach open areas and ridge crests with visible wind effect.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2014 4:00PM