Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2018 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Highway 93 remains closed between Athabasca Falls and Saskatchewan River Crossing check Alberta 511 for updates.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowfall amount will decrease overnight as the colder arctic air takes dominance. A clearing trend will emerge on Saturday with light winds shifting from North to West. On Sunday snow flurries are expected with 5cm each day into the new week.

Snowpack Summary

A variety of slab conditions exist on most aspects and are of greatest concern at treeline and above. 10-20cm of recent storm snow has created a soft storm slab under the influence of Northerly winds. Below this, older slabs up to 50cm thick sit on a sun-crust on solar aspects and facets on polar aspects. Below treeline the snow is shallow.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control teams in the Icefields area had minimal results today at treeline. One size 2 debris pile was noted opposite the Weeping Wall resulting from an Alpine release hidden in the atmosphere a similar size event opposite Parker Ridge was also noted from the same storm

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Of greatest concern in the Alpine where winds were most consistently from the North. Cold temperatures will offer some forgiveness but if triggered this might provide enough mass for a step down effect to deeper weaknesses.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

Cornices are growing with fresh snow and strong winds

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger deep slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs sit on a hard melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, and facets on polar aspects. Assess the bond at these interfaces carefully before committing to to a slope.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2018 4:00PM