Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Wind effect tree line and above - sheltered areas still hold great riding conditions. Some uncertainty remains regarding slab sensitivity on solar crust on steep southerly aspects - stay vigilant. Also give a wide berth to mature cornices.
Weather Forecast
Friday: Isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Alpine high -7 C. Wind SW 20-30 km/h. Freezing level (FL) valley bottom.
Saturday: Scattered flurries. Precipitation 5cm. Alpine Low -11 C; High -7 C. Wind W 20 gust to 50 km/h. FL valley bottom.
Sunday: Sunny periods. Nil precipitation. Alpine Low -11 C; High -6 C. Wind W light to 35 km/h. FL 1400m.
Snowpack Summary
Sheltered areas hold up to 30cm low density snow over top a well settled mid pack. Moderate NW winds adding to cornice growth in the alpine; wind effect tree line and above. A crust down 25-40cm is decomposing and found below 2300m on S aspects. A widespread weak facet layer still lurks at the bottom of the snowpack all areas.
Avalanche Summary
A natural size 2 wind slab was reported on the West aspect of Mt.Wilson. Estimated date March 6-7.
A natural size 2 cornice failure was reported on Mt. Wilcox. Estimated date March 7-8.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Reverse loading from northerly winds this week. Wind slabs more likely non typical lees and near ridge crest. Mid day solar is packing a punch - ice climbers plan to be out of confined terrain exposed to overhead pockets during peak solar.
- Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2