Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 13 – 14, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

This persistent weakness will be with us for the rest of the season. Travel accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Uniform wind slab has formed on most lee alpine and tree line slopes and cross-loaded features.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This problem was 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.

Weather Forecast

Cool temps, freezing level dropping and gusting SW-ly ridge top winds. Precip forecasted overnight (4-6cm in Icefields; trace amounts in Maligne) but to be perfectly honest, I'll believe it when I see it.

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

Previously noted size 2 slab avalanches on cross-loaded Alpine features, west aspect. Significant whining and moaning from travel partners once you step off the beaten track BTL in the Maligne valley, as well as whumphing and cracking.

Confidence

Regions covered