Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2012 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

15cm may arrive into Friday with a little more on Saturday plus slightly cooler temperatures and winds. Incrementally this may increase the danger rating particularly where slabs form on the slippery surface of previous formed melt-freeze crusts.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Southwest winds for the past 4 days continue to build windslabs on Northerly aspects. More snow arriving will incrementally add to this problem. The new snow may be resting on a slippery crust from earlier sun effect particularly on solar aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The buried surface hoar layer 70-120cm down remains a concern in areas that have not avalanched. The layer is still being observed at treeline and below treeline locations yet layers are bridging it above. Cautious of shallow locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Cloud cover should be predominant the next few days reducing daytime heating. Still be cautious if the sun pokes out as activity will increase particularly on steep S or W aspect rock bluffs or gullies starting mid afternoon.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2012 4:00PM