Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2015 6:07PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

If the sun comes out from behind the clouds, extended sunny periods will increase the avalanche danger at all elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Overcast skies and light snow flurries will occur in the Icefields area with only light accumulations. Temperatures will be colder through Tuesday night and then will rise again with poor overnight recovery in the townsite area. Temperatures will be warmer with less snow closer to the Jasper townsite. Moderate SW winds will continue.

Snowpack Summary

A supportive mid pack consisting of rounded and facetted layers is bridging the weak depth hoar/facet layers that make up the lower snowpack. Wind slabs continue to develop in sheltered alpine locations from moderate to strong SW winds.

Avalanche Summary

A single size 1 loose avalanche occurred in the alpine on a solar aspect originating out of rock cliffs.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate SW winds continue to redistribute the snow into slabs on sheltered aspects and cross loaded features in the alpine.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Overcast conditions are unlikely to lead to any overnight refreeze of the snow pack at lower elevations. As such, solar aspects BTL could be prone to loose snow slides whenever the sun makes an appearance.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural and human triggering is unlikely but it is still a good practice to avoid steep, open, rocky slopes with a shallow snowpack.

Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2015 4:00PM