Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2014 4:00PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Temperatures have spiked warmer and sooner than expected. This added to the new snow and increased wind has upped the avalanche danger at all elevations. Excellent skiing out there right now but choose terrain wisely.

Summary

Weather Forecast

More snow in the forecast, the bulk of new expected to begin Saturday night and through Sunday with moderate winds to transport it around. Mild temperatures are forecasted for the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

35cm of low density storm snow with as much as 20cm more forecast through the weekend. The new snow has buried previously reported wind slabs and in some areas has overloaded it and we are seeing increased natural activity, particularly in the alpine. Further load will only weaken the snowpack at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Several new natural avalanches observed in the Sir Winston Churchill range up to sz 3. They are isolated to cross-loaded gullies and wind-loaded open slopes in the alpine above 2400ms. The slabs appear to be triggered by loose slides from steeper terrain that is overloading the snowpack.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

Sluffing out of steep terrain is a concern, particularly for ice climbers. Loose slides are overloading the snowpack in the alpine and have triggered slabs below.

Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Open areas at tree line and above are beginning to show signs of wind effect and slab development.

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

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2014 4:00PM