Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 10 – 11, 2016Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Considering the forecast, we recommend avoiding accessing Maligne Lake, Whistler and Portal Creeks Thursday and into the weekend to allow the region to stabilize with the new load.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Expect slab development immediate to lee ridge lines and cross loaded features. Bonding should be good but progress cautiously into steeper terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3
    This problem is very active in the Maligne and surrounding Jasper area with remotely triggered avalanches being reported on very low angle terrain. This problem is proving much less active in the Icefields area.

Weather Forecast

Forecasted south wind and snow, up to 10cms overnight and continued snowfall over the day with total forecasted amounts to near 30cms. As the storm progresses the winds are expecting to increase from moderate to strong values. Temperatures to remain cool but freezing levels up to 2000ms in the Icefields.

Snowpack Summary

Maligne/Jasper: Variable snow depth above tree-line, relative to exposure. Average HS 70cm. Surface wind slabs and persistent slab down 40-90cm, very touchy, even on low angle slopes Icefields: Variable snow depth above tree-line, relative to exposure. Average HS 120cm. Cornices and building wind slabs overlaying supportive mid pack and weak base.

Avalanche Summary

Field teams in the Maligne/Bald Hills with good visibility. Large destructive avalanches noted in the area up to size 3, one measuring 900ms in length at the crown. Potential for human triggered is very likely. Not expected to get any better with new forecasted storm snow. No reports of any significant avalanche activity in the Icefields area.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Regions covered