Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 19 – 20, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Open South aspects below treeline have a challenging suncrust. Northerly aspects treeline and above has great skiing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Soft slab conditions on lee alpine aspects appear to have bonded well in most locations. At 2400m a graupel layer marks the interface and may be below 65cm of wind blown snow from last week. This sheared with moderate force during field tests (18th)

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

Weather Forecast

Friday and Saturday will bring freezing levels up to 2100m, clouds, and mixed rain or snow with little accumulation. Saturday night may bring 5-10cm snow or rain. Sunday may be sunny with warm temperatures as a result of solar radiation.

Snowpack Summary

Crusts exist up to 2200m on all aspects and extend higher on solar aspects. Above treeline wind slabs up to 65cm thick can be found in isolated locations. Bonding is generally good, however a graupel layer has recently been shown to shear with moderate force at the interface. Deeper weaknesses can be found near the base of the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No recent activity observed. A large cornice failure onto a easterly facing alpine start zone, known to be a frequent performer, failed to produce an avalanche. Limited older (>72hrs) size 2 activity from treeline and above is thought to have been triggered by solar radiation. Today's observations were limited due to poor visibility.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered