Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 15th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

A.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Great skiing can be found in sheltered areas above treeline.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Daytime temperatures will gradually rise into the week with good overnight recovery.Â Light alpine and treeline SW winds can be expected.Â Sunny conditions will make for inviting conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 35 cm of storm snow has fallen in the alpine in the Icefields Area with rain at lower elevations.Â Strong SW winds has created soft slab conditions on lee aspects. Deep persistent weaknesses (crusts and basal facets) exist at the base of the snowpack. A strong rain crust extends into treeline.

Avalanche Summary

A 2.5 slab avalanche was observed below an alpine ridge on NE aspect.Â This avalanche stepped down to a crust deeper in the snowpack.Â No other natural avalanches were noted today.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Monday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Soft slab conditions on lee alpine aspects appear to have bonded well in most locations. Approach these features with caution and test bonding on the slope from a safe area before committing.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 16th, 2015 4:00PM