Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The intensity of the sun is key. If you find yourself basking in the heat of the sun, this should to be an indicator to you of increasing danger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mainly sunny conditions with some afternoon clouds building, mild winter temperatures (-10 to -2) and moderate westerly wind gusts expected for Wednesday. Light snow with increasing intensity is forecast through to the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab condition, especially in the alpine where the wind gusts have been in the moderate to strong range. Below tree line, warm temperatures have created moist surface conditions especially on solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Several slabs have been observed on lee slopes in the alpine. Whumphing and shooting cracks seen and felt today at treeline in conservative terrain reacting on the Feb. facet interface. The natural cycle has slowed down but we expect to see avalanche activity increase when the solar effect is strongest.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

There has been several avalanches observed running in the recent storm snow.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

This problem will start to become a regular occurrence as the intensity of the sun increases and valley bottom temperatures climb.

Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2014 4:00PM