Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Deryl Kelly,

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Jasper.

Be cautious in wind effected terrain, which is wide-spread across the region.

Solar and wind have prompted rapid changes in the surface condition and localized areas of instability. Dig to assess. Be attentive to changes. Wear sunscreen. Call your Mom

Summary

Weather Forecast

Instability will continue to produce scattered flurries and varied sun throughout the Rockies for the weekend. General snowfall accumulations between 5-10cm along and west of Highway 93N, with moderate to strong (in the Alpine) westerly winds through to Sunday. 

Snowpack Summary

Varied depth wind slabs or hard surface conditions in Alp & TL. Slabs overlie a facet interface down as much as 20 to 40cm, with varied and questionable bonding strength. Sheltered areas, top 30-60cm is faceted snow over a mostly supportive mid-pack. Reminder to be cautious of thick to thin characteristics, especially on a the surface slab. 

Avalanche Summary

Forecasters on 93N noted wide spread wind effect in all alpine and exposed tree line features with strong to extreme snow transport continuing at ridge top.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Hard wind slabs in the Alpine and open Treeline features have the potential for wide propagations across connected features. Assess this bond carefully.

  • Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.
  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Caution in thin snowpack areas where triggering is more likely. This is a low probability but high consequence problem.

  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2021 4:00PM

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