Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 12 – 13, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Another moisture laden weather system is heading our way, bringing as much as 50cm to the Icefields Area. This new snow, along with strong SW winds and warm temps will increase the avalanche danger significantly.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Strong SW winds are building new windslabs at upper elevations. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Warm temperatures at lower elevations will create moist point release avalanches from steep terrain.

Weather Forecast

Lots of precipitation forecast for the next 72hours, with models indicating as much as 50cm in the Columbia Icefield Area.  This along with strong SW winds, warm temps and rising freezing levels will elevate the avalanche danger significantly.

Snowpack Summary

New windslabs are forming above treeline with the large amount of snow available for transport and gusty winds.  Solar aspects have a suncrust and are being covered by the snow that is presently falling. These slabs and crusts will be subject to significant load over the next 72hours which will increase their likelihood of triggering.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed on a road patrol to the Columbia Icefield area, but visibility was poor.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered