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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 10th, 2013–Mar 11th, 2013

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Jasper.

Weather Forecast

Monday will be mostly clouds and moderate Northwest winds with only light snow flurries.  A system will begin to enter the area from the South by Tuesday afternoon and may bring some significant snowfall by Wednesday afternoon. Temperatures will warm during the storm and be accompanied by moderate to strong Southwesterly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs are developing below alpine lee ridge lines with steady moderate to strong Westerly winds.  In sheltered areas, the recent storm snow has settled and bonded well.  Expect a suncrust on southerly alpine and treeline aspects.

Avalanche Summary

One new size 2 slab on steep non- skiable rock slabs was seen on an easterly aspect. Of note were two previous size 3 avalanches on the same range that must have occurred earlier in the week directly following the storm. Saturday's heli bombing had good results on the settled pockets of storm slabs above the Maligne Road on the Medicine Slabs. 

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.