Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 15 – 16, 2018Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Incoming new snow should improve the skiing significantly. Check the bond of this new snow to the previous surfaces carefully before committing to any big terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    At upper elevations polar aspects still held cold, faceted snow and did not receive either solar triggers or significant snowpack settlement this past week. Steep, unsupported slopes should be treated with due respect.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh storm slabs may sit on a hard melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, and facets on polar aspects, assess the bond at these interfaces carefully before committing to any avalanche start zones.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5
    With the freezing level forecast to be as high as 1900m on Friday, this could be a significant problem at lower elevations (particularly on ice climbs).

Weather Forecast

An unusual upper level flow is creating a weather pattern that is unusual and challenging for the weather models to predict.Friday: Cloudy with snow (up to 15cm). Alpine temps: Low -5 C, High -3 C. Ridge wind light. Freezing level: 1900m.Saturday: Flurries. (up to 5cm). Alpine temps: Low -7 C, High -3 C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level: 1900m.

Snowpack Summary

Fresh snow with light (gusting moderate) Northerly winds is building fresh storm slabs in exposed areas.  Incoming snow is falling on a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects below 3000m and old facetted wind slabs on polar aspects above 1700m. The weak Feb. 8th interface under the old windslabs may remain a concern on high north aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed or reported.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered