Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2014 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Careful observation and conservative route finding will be required for any travel into the back-country Sunday. Maligne Lake road is closed and travel on Hwy 93 North is not recommended.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Westerly wind and snowfall amounting to 10-15cms forecasted for Saturday overnight.

Snowpack Summary

35cm of storm snow settling rapidly and beginning to slab up with the warmer temperatures and wind; which was packing a punch in the Ice fields area Saturday. From the top down, snowpack has an upside down feeling to it right now, with the warm heavier snow on top and the cooler below. Lots of snowballing and loose slides seen below tree line.

Avalanche Summary

Snowballing and pinwheels observed at roadside but limited visibility above. Snowline at 1500m, rain below and a highly variable freezing level observed on the parkway today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm snow showing dangerous slab properties, use extra caution when entering steep open areas.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs more prevalent in the Ice Fields area where moderate SW winds and mild temps have created touchy slab properties in all open areas.

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

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2014 5:00PM