Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2012 4:48PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

Landon Shepherd, Parks Canada

Jasper.

A skier remotely triggered a size 3 avalanche today in the Portal creek drainage from 300m away, deep instabilities remain in the snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The buried surface hoar layer remains a concern in areas that have not recently avalanched. Variable winds have made judging bridging strength/depth a difficult task. Solar effect will weaken the bridging effect of the slab on exposed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Storm Slabs

Recent mod-strong alpine winds have formed slabs and large cornices on lee slopes. Cornices anchors are weakened by solar radiation, especially along rocky, wind-exposed ridges. Cornice failure and windslab avalanches may trigger deeper layers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Surface snow is responding to the strong solar radiation effect that happens in March and April. Ice climbers should also be wary of large pillows of snow still overhanging routes on solar aspects.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2012 4:00PM