Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 5 – 6, 2022
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Avalanche danger

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

It's March and the sun is packing a punch. Cornices are large and deserve a lot of attention these days, avoid being under them when ever possible and don't stand on them.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Winds have shifted to a northerly flow. Wind slabs possible on all aspects.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Caution on the solar slopes in the afternoon if the sun comes out.

Weather Forecast

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: High -8 C.

Ridge wind north: 10-20 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: Low -14 C, High -7 C.

Ridge wind west: 10-25 km/h.

Freezing level: 1400 metres.

Snowpack Summary

Feb 28-Mar 2 storm deposited 35cm of snow at Parkers Ridge Area. 10-15cm fell further to the North. Suspect a new sun crust on solar aspects from Friday. A crust down 25-40cm from the surface is decomposing but can still be found below 2500m on south aspects. There is a widespread weak facet layer at the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.

Avalanche Summary

Jasper Visitor Safety preformed avalanche control on Thursday in the Parkers Ridge zone. Explosives control produced a few slab avalanches up to size 2 on east aspects. One natural cornice avalanche Sz 2 was observed on Thur on Churchill this entrained loose dry snow.

Confidence

Regions covered