Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 27 – 28, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Variability across the forecast area exists in wind slab development and snowfall amounts.  Careful evaluation of specific slopes is essential for safe travel.  Excellent ski quality can be found in most areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Expect slabs in wind prone areas like below lee ridges at treeline and above and cross-loaded gulley features. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    he "drought layer" (Feb 10) has been dormant for over a week now. Warming temperatures and continued wind-loading could 'wake' this layer up.

Weather Forecast

Flurries will continue through the weekend with daily accumulations between 5 to 10 cm.  Light NE winds will continue until Friday then winds will shift to SW and pickup to Moderate.  Temperatures will warm with this wind shift with afternoon freezing levels rising to 1500 m.

Snowpack Summary

Total storm snow over the Mar 15 interface is approx. 40 cm but quite variable. Open areas in the southern forecast area are showing more surface wind effect. The Mar 15 interface is weak made up of facets over variable surfaces depending on aspect and exposure.  Little slab development has been observed to date.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations along the Icefields Parkway however poor visibility conditions existed.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable on Friday

Regions covered