Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry and Wind Slabs.

steve blake, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The avalanche danger will increase more rapidly if snow fall amounts exceed expectations. Pay attention to local conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

New snow and rising temperatures are in the forecast. A light southerly flow will bring 10 cm of new snow to the Columbia Icefield area and we may see greater amounts in specific locations. Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing at treeline and above but valley bottoms may see numbers as high as + 8 degrees.

Snowpack Summary

Mid pack remains supportive. About 20 cms of HST overlies old surface. No slab in storm snow. At low elevations a buried sun crust is present on south through sw aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

Steep alpine faces are sluffing regularly as new snow accumulates.

Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

This avalanche problem remains a concern and may become more sensitive to triggering as temperatures rise and penetrate into the snowpack.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2014 4:00PM