Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 18th, 2016 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Caution still advised in Portal/Whistler Creek as persistent slab still a concern. Intense solar radiation and rising freezing levels on Saturday may act as a trigger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cold clear nights on Friday and Saturday.Â Sunny conditions on Saturday with light winds and freezing level to 2000 m.Â Cloud moving in on Sunday with light snow beginning by late afternoon.Â Freezing levels rising to 2300 m on Sunday and winds remaining light. Flurries continuing into early next week.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is generally shallow and poorly consolidated, significant variation exists within the forecasting area. The persistent slab may still be active in the Portal Creek area. This layer could be trigger from thin spots on the slope (trees, rocks, etc). Alpine wind slab is present on lee slopes. Springlike conditions below tree-line.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem may still be a concern in the Whistler/Portal Creek area. It appears to be inactive in the Maligne and Icefields areas.

Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Uniform wind slab has formed on most lee alpine and tree line slopes and cross-loaded features.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 19th, 2016 4:00PM