Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2016 5:19PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Dropped my bike helmet and scared my cat, means 22 days of winter left! Scientific Fact!Combo of building cornices and wind slab create a significant hazard for larger avalanches from above.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Progressive cooling through the evening should facilitate a good recovery for Sunday morning with some warming over the day. Precip expected in the early afternoon and may initially present as moist snow or rain, especially BTL. Pulses of precip through to Monday to a max of 10cms. Freezing levels rising to 1600ms and consistent moderate Sw winds.Â

Snowpack Summary

Fluctuations in solar input have left a weak crust on S through W aspects. Variable support in the am and breaking down over the day. Dry, facetted and generally uninspiring below this crust. Polar aspects offering better riding and can be worth the wallow to TL where there is more consistent support underfoot due to a more settled mid-pack.Â

Avalanche Summary

Field observations in the Maligne Valley with some previous activity observed but nothing new to report. Intense transport observed in the Bald Hills area but no new activity observed from roadside.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

The new snow will becoming in warm with consistent transport winds from the SW. Excellent slab forming conditions on lee slopes. Bonding should be good but best to progress cautiously into steep terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers of decomposed surface hoar, facets, and depth hoar are in many locations. These layers have been stubborn to trigger underfoot but could be triggered by cornice failure or from shallow spot.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2016 4:00PM