Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2012 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cornice failures were noted today. Little propagation resulted. A few deeper releases were also noted but only in very steep alpine features. A cold front pushing in from the NE Saturday night has potential for 10-15cm of snow and reverse loading.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds continue to build slabs with 10-30cm available for transport. The snow seems to be bonding well to the previous surface as little natural activity noted. NE winds may arrive Saturday evening so watch for reverse loading patterns onto S aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

Recent cloud cover and cooler temperatures have reduced this problem yet natural activity increases quickly when the sun does show up. This condition is mainly, but not limited to, steep S or W aspects around rocks or gullies.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The buried surface hoar layer 70-120cm down should remain on your radar. A few deeper releases were noted during the past 24hrs yet only in very steep alpine features. 'Generally' layers are bridging it above. Cautious of shallow locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2012 4:00PM