Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 6th, 2012 4:58PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Intense solar radiation may dramatically decrease stability on South exposed slopes on Wednesday. Very tricky avalanche conditions exist including 50 cm of new storm snow, building wind slabs and a well preserved buried surface hoar layer.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Wednesday

Problems

Storm Slabs

50 cm of snow fell during the latest storm. A widespread avalanche cycle resulted. This new snow is sitting on a well developed surface hoar layer. This instability will be a concern for a long time! Conservative decision making is essential.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Moderate NW winds have begun to redistribute the recent 50 cm of storm snow into wind slabs on alpine and open treeline slopes. These slabs will be reactive. Avoid wind loaded slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Open slopes on Northeast to South aspects have buried slabs sitting on surface hoar. On southerly aspects, the surface hoar formed on a sun crust, increasing the possibility of remote triggering and wide propagations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2012 4:00PM