Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Pay close attention to solar radiation and avoid being below big terrain when this in full effect particularly in the afternoon.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The cold ridge of high pressure has finally broke down by a series of lows moving inland bringing warmer moister air and a little precip over the region. Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine High -8 C, Low -15 C. Snowfall up to 10cm across the range with light winds SW gusting Moderate.Mountain weather forecast available at Avalanche Canada.

Snowpack Summary

10cm of new snow through Friday and moderate winds could create new windslabs in the alpine. New snow will bury a new surface hoar layer, facets and crusts. The upper snowpack remains generally facetted. The mid and lower snowpack is facetted but still generally carries skis. Below treeline warmer daytime temps will weaken the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and west winds could create wind slabs in the alpine. These slabs sit above a new surface hoar layer and temperature crusts on solar facing slopes.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak and facetted snowpack is about to be tested by warming temperatures, then some new snow, for the first time in over a month. Triggering of the basal weakness may become possible in areas where the snowpack above still retains some cohesion.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2019 4:00PM