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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 15th, 2017–Mar 16th, 2017
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

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

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

Avalanche 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