Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 30 – 31, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

If the sun pokes out it can pack a punch this time of year and change snow conditions rapidly. Take advantage of early starts and be prepared to turn around.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh wind slabs are likely on lee aspects and cross loaded features in high alpine locations.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

Weather Forecast

Cooler conditions for the next few days will be accompanied by snow showers and moderate westerly winds. Some weather models are calling for more snow in the Icefields area towards the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

The warming and cooling cycle has created a temperature crust on all aspects up to 2500m. Below this crust, a variety of layers exist with a weak basal facet layer being present in most areas at treeline and above. Any remaining snow on solar aspects below tree line has gone isothermal.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported in the forecast area today. The size 3 slab on Mt. Saskatchewan that failed last week on the basal facet layer highlights the serious issue that this lingering deep persistent weakness presents.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Regions covered