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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 18th, 2014–Mar 19th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Careful snowpack evaluation and cautious route finding is essential right now.

Weather Forecast

Temps to remain cool, freezing levels well below treeline, and winds light to moderate from the Southwest.  Light snowfall expected to begin on  Wednesday, intensifying towards the weekend.  The Columbia Icefields area will receive an additional 25cm by Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

The Columbia Icefields received 35cm of low density snow over the weekend. Prior to that the alpine was found to be scoured old snow or hard windslabs. Lots of snow available for transport, and some moderate ridge top transport observed today.

Avalanche Summary

Field patrols in the past few days observed the debris from numerous large avalanches. These avalanches exhibited wide propagation,  were primarily found in big East facing alpine terrain, and several were triggered by cornice fall.  As the wind begins to push the recent snow around, the likelihood of triggering new slabs will increase.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The "drought layer" (Feb 10) has been sensitive in the past week, contributing to numerous large avalanches. Pay particular attention to moraines at treeline and crossloaded features in the alpine.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

With lots of new snow available for transport, new windslabs will be forming in exposed areas as the winds increase in the next couple of days.
Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Storm Slabs

35cm of recent snow is settling rapidly. Although this snow appears to be bonding well, caution is warranted in steep terrain. It is a good idea to test the storm snow interface prior to committing to your line.
If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3