Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 25 – 26, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Forecasted snowfall amounts are not certain. The overall hazard will increase over the day if the storm intensifies. Be particularly wary of your overhead hazard during periods of heavy loading.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Ever present in the forecast area, expect slabs in wind prone areas like below lee ridges at treeline and above and cross-loaded gulley features.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The "drought layer" (Feb 10) has been quietly dormant. Expected snowfall this week could 'wake' this layer up. Pay particular attention to moraines at treeline and cross-loaded features in the alpine.

Weather Forecast

Forecasted overnight snowfall expected to be around 15cms in the icefields area with light southerly winds. Expectations are high but it is not likely to initially overload the snowpack, yet. The snowfall will continue though the week and the hazard will increase at all elevations as volume increases.

Snowpack Summary

The ~40 cm of snow received last week has settled with minor wind effect in most areas. This has blanketed previous surfaces including sun crusts on solar aspects, wind slab below ridge lines and cross-loaded gulley features. The Feb10th drought layer is 50-100 cm deep and is the greatest concern for skier/climber triggering.

Avalanche Summary

One sz 2 cornice triggered avalanche on a steep east facing rock slab alpine feature observed today in the Winston Churchill region.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered