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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 7th, 2020–Mar 8th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Carefully assess the bond between the new and old snow surfaces before stepping into committing terrain.

Weather Forecast

An arctic front, descending south through Alberta will change the low-level flow to the northeast bringing a steady temperature drop Saturday evening and some flurries but, little accumulation. A typically cool, mixed sun/cloud day for Sunday; light west wind and an alpine high temperature of -11.

More detailed forecast at: Mountain weather forecast

Snowpack Summary

35cm of recent new snow appears to be bonding well to the old surfaces. Wind transport has been continuously forming soft wind slab on lee aspects. The Columbia Icefields region has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern forecast region is weaker and shallow; bridging over the basal weakness is less reliable.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity observed or reported.

Use the Mountain Information Network to share your field trip observations contributing to the daily avalanche bulletin.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with some reactivity in the immediate lee.

  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
  • Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

Ice Climbers, be cautious in areas where loading has stressed the snowpack. Top outs and ledges may be particularity sensitive due to new snow and transport winds.

  • The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Little recent activity on this layer. More likely to initiate this layer in combination with accidently triggering a surface instability. 

  • Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.
  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5