Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 27 – 28, 2015Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

A general cooling trend is expected through the weekend. The avalanche danger will rise rapidly if temperatures warm to above freezing and there is any significant solar radiation. Spring like conditions below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh wind slabs are likely on lee aspects in the alpine.  Older slabs are likely on northerly aspects at treeline.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures and freezing levels will fall from the heat on Friday through the weekend.  Expect some light precipitation overnight on Friday then skies clear Saturday afternoon.  Clouds return on Sunday with up to 15 cm possible Sunday afternoon into Monday.  Moderate to strong winds expected to continue.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps on Friday and cooling through the weekend will create a temperature crust on all aspects up to 2500m. Below this crust, a variety of layers and crusts exist with local variations thoughout the forecast area. A weak basal facet layer is present in most areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

A loose wet avalanche cycle occurred Friday afternoon primarily at treeline on easterly aspects up to size 2. Of note was a large size 3 slab on Mt. Saskatchewan on a steep NE facing alpine slope likely on the basal facet layer.

Confidence

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

Regions covered