Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 29 – 30, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

If the sun pokes out it can pack a punch this time of year and change snow conditions rapidly. Take advantage of early starts and be ready to turn around,

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh wind slabs are likely on lee aspects and cross loaded features in high alpine locations.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

Weather Forecast

Seasonal temperatures will linger for the next few days as clouds keep the sun at bay. Flurries are expected but not much accumulation. Light winds from the south and southwest are expected.

Snowpack Summary

Warming and cooling cycle is creating a temperature crust on all aspects up to 2500m. Below this crust, a variety of layers exist with the weak basal facet layer being present in most areas at treeline and above. Any remaining snow on solar aspects below tree line has gone isothermal.

Avalanche Summary

The loose wet avalanche cycle that occurred on Friday has abated because of cooler temps and cloud cover. The size 3 slab on Mt. Saskatchewan that failed on the basal facet layer highlights the issue of this lingering deep persistent weakness.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered