Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 8 – 9, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Avoid steep unsupported slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Expect slab development immediate to lee ridge lines and cross loaded features. Bonding should be good but progress cautiously into steeper terrain.
  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    This problem is very active in the Whistler/Portal Creek area with remotely triggered avalanches being reported on very low angle terrain. The problem is also active in the Maligne area but is stubborn in the Icefields area.

Weather Forecast

Freezing level 1500m and light flurries next few days. Temperatures will be seasonal with relatively good overnight freeze. Winds expected to be light SW.

Snowpack Summary

Expect wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain above 2000m. The persistent slab is down 40-70cm and is easily triggered in the Whistler/Portal areas even on low angle slopes but is stubborn in the Icefields. Lower elevation snowpack is facetted and weak.

Avalanche Summary

No field patrol Monday. Previous reports of numerous remotely triggered avalanches to size 2 on slope angles as little as 15 deg around Marmot Pass along with widespread whumphing and cracking. Whumphing and cracking also noted in the Maligne area. In contrast, no reports of any propagations in the Icefields area.

Confidence

Regions covered