Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 9th, 2018–Mar 10th, 2018

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

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

4: High

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high

Regions: Jasper.

Warm temps, broken skies, irregular strong solar effect! Feels very spring-like. This is a transitional time for the snowpack continue to treat the terrain cautiously. Plan for the dawn patrol, enjoy the sun and get back early for happy hour!

Weather Forecast

Spring like warming trend with a distinct south westerly flow. Freezing levels rising to treeline elevations into the weekend. Trace, to upwards of 10cm of snow overnight Friday won't stick around long with daytime solar and warming for Saturday. Freezing level to 1700m, light west winds and, Alpine temps; High of -6.

Snowpack Summary

Facetting has weakened the snowpack in isolated areas through the forecast region. Melt freeze, spring-like cycle beginning in ernest BTL. Variable, moist surface snow on steep, rocky solar aspects. Less so on BTL, ski-able, solar slopes where broken cloud and cooling winds are keeping the surface dry. Wind effect in open areas in the ALP and TL.

Avalanche Summary

Explosive assisted, solar induced, loose dry avalanches to sz 1.5 in BTL south and south-west aspects entraining the facets and running fast on Wednesday.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A cold, facetting, and structurally weak slab up to 80cm thick overlies faceted crystals (well developed in shallow areas). Low elevations will present as a loose dry avalanche problem.

Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche.If triggered dry loose point releases can form deeper deposits in terrain traps.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Late afternoon problem in steep, solar rocky terrain. Found to be entraining the surrounding, facetted snowpack and will build up volume quickly.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2