Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Parks Canada garth lemke, Parks Canada

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Jasper.

Good skiing can be found on sheltered treeline slopes. Cornices are large and looming. They have not been a severe problem yet but good idea to give them a wide berth. Storm snow still bonding and evolving thus conservative choices still wise.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Friday to Sunday will be flurries, a total accumulation of 9mm water equivalency, light North winds, diurnal temperature fluctuations with relatively good overnight recovery, and seasonal temperatures. Saturday and Sunday may be more sun than cloud driving up the afternoon heating effect.

Snowpack Summary

Slabs continue to form in the alpine and at treeline on wind exposed slopes from gusty moderate S to SW winds. Previous North winds reverse loaded gully features last week. 90cm has fallen since March 13. At treeline in south facing terrain, the snow rests on a suncrust 80 cm deep. The snowpack is generally supportive below treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No visibility into the alpine for Thursday's patrol. No new naturals were noted TL and below.  A helicopter flight Tuesday revealed a significant avalanche cycle occurred on N to NE alpine slopes to size 3 and on terrain as low as 25 degrees. They involved the recent storm snow and the likely trigger was wind loading combined with warm sunny skies.  

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Windslabs continue to develop with 90cm of snow since March 13. North winds with the storm reverse loaded gullies and now steady moderate west winds load N and NE aspects. Expect slab conditions on a wide variety of aspects continuing to develop.
Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2013 4:00PM

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