Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 15th, 2017 4:09PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Highway 93 is closed between Saskatchewan River Crossing and Athabasca Falls until avalanche control can take place.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels will drop overnight and during Thursday to the valley bottom. Another 10-15cm of snow is possible overnight with light winds. Thursday gusting strong SW winds at treeline and temperatures of -5. Snow flurries will taper off in the PM

Snowpack Summary

20cm of new snow has arrived in the past 24 hours. This soft storm slab is bonding poorly to the old snow surface. The mid-pack consists of persistent slab layers intermixed with weak facets. The base is weak facets, depth hoar, and an ice crust from November. Below 2,100m the snowpack is moist and below 1,700m it is wet.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle is underway on all aspects and elevations. Wet slabs and point releases are occurring below 1,800m. At higher elevations dry storm slab avalanche are running far into the valley bottom. Several class 2 avalanche were observed and larger events are also expected with deep releases.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

With cooling temperatures the activity from this layer will decrease at treeline as the day progresses.

Be very cautious with gully features.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

Up to 20cm has fallen in the past 24hrs and is bonding poorly to last weeks snow. Soft slabs up to size 2 have been running to the valley bottom and in some cases are believed to trigger deeper releases.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.It is a good time to stay within the boundaries of a ski resort.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

With additional snow loading, rain and warm temperatures this problem has become reactive producing full path releases

Avoid all avalanche terrain.Be careful with low angle slopes that may not normally be a concern.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 16th, 2017 4:00PM