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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 21st, 2012–Mar 22nd, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

The cornice building conditions have been excellent recently and cornice anchoring sites on ridgetops (with lots of wind-exposed dark rocks!) are now getting strong solar radiation.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The buried surface hoar layer is a concern in areas that have not avalanched already. Solar effect is a likely trigger in the afternoon directly on solar terrain or indirectly by causing cornice failure onto shaded lee slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Storm Slabs

Primarily southwest moderate alpine winds continue to form slabs and large cornices on lee aspects, but previous variable winds have also reverse loaded some features. Smaller windslab avalanches may step down to deeper instabilities.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Surface snow is responding to strong solar radiation that happens in March/April. Ice climbers should also be wary of large pillows of snow still above routes on solar aspects. Even thick surface crusts will break down with sustained solar energy.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2