Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 12 – 13, 2017Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Unsettled weather for the next few days in the Icefields area. Local precip and accumulation may vary wildly from region and elevation.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cornice failure is hard to predict but likelihood increases with sun, warm temperatures, and wind-loading.There are some very large cornices out there. Wise to give them a wide berth.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Isothermal conditions are possible as crusts break down by late morning. Gauge the extent of the overnight freeze relative to how quick it will move into being reactive.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    The deep instability could be triggered by large loads such as a cornice failure or a surface avalanche. Human triggering is most likely from shallow spots or on steep unsupported slopes.

Weather Forecast

Light flurries continue to scatter through the forecast area. Models calling for light but consistent precip, heaviest overnight Thursday. Thus far it remains variable in both location and accumulation. Expect warm alpine temps near 0 with freezing levels rising to 1800m.

Snowpack Summary

Inconsistent support on a weak melt freeze crust, solar aspects. Dryer surface snow on polar aspects over a solid mid-pack bridging the weak base above 2000m. The base is a combination of weak facets and depth hoar mixed around a Nov rain crust. A consistent melt-freeze cycle is occurring below tree line.

Avalanche Summary

Field team reporting some observed loose wet slides and snow-balling BTL. Visibility poor and no ALP observations.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Regions covered