Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2013 4:16PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Another moisture laden weather system is heading our way, bringing as much as 50cm to the Icefields Area. This new snow, along with strong SW winds and warm temps will increase the avalanche danger significantly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Lots of precipitation forecast for the next 72hours, with models indicating as much as 50cm in the Columbia Icefield Area.Â This along with strong SW winds, warm temps and rising freezing levels will elevate the avalanche danger significantly.

Snowpack Summary

New windslabs are forming above treeline with the large amount of snow available for transport and gusty winds.Â Solar aspects have a suncrust and are being covered by the snow that is presently falling. These slabs and crusts will be subject to significant load over the next 72hours which will increase their likelihood of triggering.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed on a road patrol to the Columbia Icefield area, but visibility was poor.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds are building new windslabs at upper elevations.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures at lower elevations will create moist point release avalanches from steep terrain.

Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.It is a good time to stay within the boundaries of a ski resort.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2013 4:00PM