Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2016 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Don't be fooled by the lack of natural activity. The weakness around the buried persistent slab is still lurking in the snowpack and is most likely triggered in Portal/Whistler Creek and Maligne Lake Areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Clear and freezing level rising to over 2000 m on Saturday then an intense but short storm Saturday night with heavy snow, falling freezing level and strong South winds dropping up to 10 cm.Â Temperatures remain cool on Sunday and snow with light winds on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Maligne/Jasper: Variable snow depth above tree-line, relative to exposure. Average HS 70cm. Surface wind slabs and persistent slab down 40-90cm. Icefields: Variable snow depth above tree-line, relative to exposure. Average HS 120cm. Widespread wind slabs overlaying supportive mid pack and weak base.

Avalanche Summary

Field team in the Icefields noted a few size 2 slab avalanches on cross-loaded Alpine features, west aspect. Whumphing and cracking noted below tree line around Bald Hills.Â Marmot reported little in the way of natural activity around the ski hill today except a cornice initiated slab on Sherpa.

Confidence

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

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem is most active in the Maligne and surrounding Jasper area where the average snow pack is shallow but is proving much less active in the Icefields area.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Uniform wind slab has formed on most lee alpine and tree line slopes and cross-loaded features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2016 4:00PM