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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2020–Mar 15th, 2020
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
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

Regions: Jasper.

Avoid exposure to large wind loaded alpine and tree line places!

Weather Forecast

The arctic air has arrived bringing cold temperatures and moderated to strong North and Easterly gusting winds. More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast

Snowpack Summary

Strong NE winds past 36 hrs stripping and redistributing upper snowpack. Wide spread scouring in exposed places. Hard slabs, soft slabs, sastrugi now present. The Icefields area has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern region is weaker with less bridging midpack strength above basals and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Saturday's field team observed several large natural avalanches to size 3.5 from continued strong NE winds. Running on the ground. Ramp route on Athabasca peak today ran size 3.5 down to ice due to rapid loading. Several other natural and cornice triggered avalanches to size 3 observed on road patrol. Cornices loom large and threatening.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs forming with Strong NE winds past 36 hrs. This, in combination with basal facet issue, are producing random large destructive avalanches. 

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Several natural large avalanches observed today due to the combination of rapid wind loading initiating basal facets or reloaded bed surfaces.

Mnt Athabasca ramp route ran size 3.5 today.  Impressive avalanche running into the rock basin below.

  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
  • Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5