Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 2 – 3, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Bundle up and stay warm out there!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Moderate north winds have stiffen up the surface slabs in open areas. This slab rests above a persistent facet layer 30cm to 45cm down.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The strong mid-pack is bridging the layer well through the forecast area. Its spatial variability over the terrain does make it difficult to predict and snowpack tests show it to be very weak. Be careful in shallow start zones.

Weather Forecast

Cold temperatures and a steady north wind making it difficult to enjoy the fantastic sunny weather. Light snow is forecasted for late Sunday afternoon and continue through the week. No reprieve from the cold for Sunday with a forecasted high of -23 degrees but the moderate winds should die down as the flow shifts slowly from north to the south.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is well settled with a supportive mid-pack above 1,900m. Above this elevation a concerning weakness can be found consisting of decomposing surface hoar and or facetted grains. This may be found 30-70cm down. Moderate winds have stiffened the surface snow in open areas above tree line. Solar aspects below 1,900m will have a sun crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Some previous natural avalanches have been observed in solar aspects below tree line and in cross-loaded lee features.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Regions covered