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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 19th, 2013–Mar 20th, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Winds continue to buffet the Icefields yet good skiing can be found in sheltered locations. Weather models are not agreeing with amounts or timing of  warm front. If more precipitation arrives plus warmer temperatures, expect the danger to increase. 

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will bring a warm front, possibly 5-10cm of snow, rain lower elevations with freezing level 1700m, and strong SW alpine winds. The models are not agreeing with Wednesday's timing. Thursday will have cooling trend, diminished winds, flurries, and lower freezing level. Friday will be much like Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Soft slabs continue to form at exposed treeline locations and above from today's moderate West winds. Previous North winds reverse loaded many slopes and gullies. 90cm of snow fell since March 13. Snow transport is occurring. At treeline, soft slabs rest on a suncrust 80 cm deep in south facing terrain. Below treeline is generally supportive.

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday's patrol had 100% visibility. Several recent large avalanches to size 3 noted on large high elevation features on various aspects from the past 24hrs. A number of loose moist avalanches up to size 2 were noted mainly from sun impacted slopes, gullies, and cliffs. All these observed recent avalanches were running relatively far. 

Confidence

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

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

100cm cm has fallen since March 13. Initially strong N winds reverse loaded many slopes but now has shifted to moderate Westerly. Soft slabs are developing below ridgelines yet remains spotty in many zones. Wind transport is occurring in alpine. 
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

There remains allot of unconsolidated storm snow available. It is is susceptible to solar, wind and human triggering forming loose snow avalanches of significant mass. Enough to knock climbers or skiers off their line particularly when its moist..
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Finish ice climbs early in the day before the temperature rises.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3