Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 19th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Solar influence, overhead cornice failure or isolated loading or cross-loading will affect the localized hazard as we approach spring like conditions. Generally, the hazard should remain Moderate and the riding is being reported as good.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expecting broken skies conditions on Sunday with light winds and freezing level to 2200 m. Expecting to see light snow/rain beginning by late afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is generally shallow and poorly consolidated, significant variation exists within the forecasting area. The persistent slab may still be active in the Portal Creek area. This layer could be trigger from thin spots on the slope (trees, rocks, etc). Alpine wind slab is present on lee slopes. Springlike conditions below tree-line.

Avalanche Summary

Significant large avalanches reported for field teams in the Icefields area. Appear that the most significant of which have been triggered by cornice failure up to sz 3.5 in the Alpine.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem may still be a concern in the Whistler/Portal Creek area. It appears to be inactive in the Maligne and Icefields areas.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

First indicators of this problem showing up. Easy enough to avoid but, larger slides, triggered in the deep weaknesses can easily become a significant issue for groups traveling in the valley bottoms or run outs.

Minimize exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach run out zones.Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Mar 20th, 2016 4:00PM