[MCR] Jasper Avalanche Bulletin

Subject: [MCR] Jasper Avalanche Bulletin
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 15:01:12 +0000
Due to server issues we were unable to publish the avalanche bulletin valid until 17:00 today 15th March 2014.
Here's the gist of it.
 
Alpine - Considerable
Treeline - Considerable
BTL- Moderate
 
The biggest issue right now is treeline and sub alpine elevations where a weak layer from February is now buried by a stiff windslab. Earlier in the week field teams remotely triggered several slabs and experienced extensive whumphing at treeline elevations. Yesterday in Whistler Creek (the drainage just north of Marmot ski hill) two ski tourers were caught in a size 2.5 slab. Both skiers were uninjured but lost some equipment. Looking at the photo's of it we suspect it was triggered on the February layer and stepped down in places to the basal weakness. This slide was again at treeline.
 
A heavy snowfall warning is in effect for the Icefields area tonight and tomorrow with up to 25cm of snow and very strong south westerly winds. This is going to increase the avalanche hazard at all elevations.
 
Great care is needed in route selection as you navigate the mountains this weekend.
 
Steve Blagbrough
ACMG/IFMGA
Jasper Park Visitor Safety 
 
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