Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 21 – 22, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Increasing hazard possible over the day with a strong solar input. It is not a certainty but it's important to be aware of the rapid changes as we move into the spring.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    First indicators of this problem showing up. Easy enough to avoid but, larger slides, triggered in the deep weaknesses can quickly become a significant issue for groups traveling in the valley bottoms or run outs.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    This problem is still a concern in the Whistler/Portal Creek area. This, along with most recent rain means this area will be in very poor shape for travel. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Freezing level expected to remain at treeline for Monday evening. If this is the case, the snowpack will be further weakened and hazard will continue to increase if daytime temperatures get above 0 degrees or with a strong solar input.

Weather Forecast

Mild temperatures with freezing levels remaining at treeline and poor overnight recovery (re-freezing). Continued flurries through the evening Monday with rain or freezing rain possible below 1500ms. Tuesday afternoon is forecasting a break in the clouds as winds shift from the north and daytime temperatures drop.

Snowpack Summary

Rain soaked to 2000m with wet flurries to TL on all aspects. Generally, the snowpack is shallow and poorly consolidated with significant variation within the forecasting area. The persistent slab was found to be most active in Portal Creek and surrounding area off the ski hill. This layer will be triggered from thin spots on the slope.

Avalanche Summary

Poor visibility throughout the forecast region. Nothing new to report.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered