Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 22nd, 2015–Mar 23rd, 2015

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

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

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

Regions: Jasper.

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

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

Avalanche 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