Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2015 4:00PM

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

landon shepherd, Parks Canada

Jasper.

In other forecast regions deep persistent weaknesses are finally becoming active, causing some large avalanches. Keep this in mind when evaluating larger features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued light precipitation is forecast for the next several days with freezing levels rising each day to near 2000m. Light to moderate southwest winds will continue to build windslab and cornice growth on typical lee features.

Snowpack Summary

5cm in the north of the Forecast zone and up to 10cm in the icefields area arrived with light to moderate southwest winds. This new snow arrived with warm temps and we expect windslab development in lee features and continued cornice build up. New snow loading may overload some existing windslabs to produce natural avalanches to size 2.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported, but limited visibility today for higher elevation areas.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snowfall with moderate winds and rapid settlement from continued warm temperatures will make soft slab and windslab releases likely from lee features in the alpine and at treeline.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2015 4:00PM