Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 30th, 2018–Mar 31st, 2018

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.

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

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

Avalanche 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