Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 15 – 16, 2021
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Archived · expired 5 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating

Highlights

Due to significant seasonal warming and solar, road closures are possible at short notice.

Hazard will cycle with the daily, diurnal swings in temps through the weekend. Avalanches are anticipated on all aspects and elevations in the forecast region

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    Cornices are awake! These features are extremely large, dense and heavy and will likely trigger the deeper instability on the slope below. If you must travel near or below cornices, use good travel techniques and group management to reduce exposure.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Rapidly rising temperatures and strong solar radiation making this a variable but significant problem at all elevations and aspects. Start early and finish early to avoid the highest hazard period, early afternoon through to dark.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3.5

    Forecasters are noting an increase in activity; seeing many larger slides, stepping down to ground or ice. Shallow snowpack areas and solar aspects have increased potential for human triggered and natural avalanches stepping to deeper layers.

Weather Forecast

High pressure continues over Northern BC and Alberta, rapidly establishing spring conditions in the region, including the Icefields Parkway. Positive daytime temperatures, light winds, strong solar and rising freezing level to as high as 3000m can be expected daily and for the near future.

Snowpack Summary

Spring has Sprung! Expect a crust on solar aspects that will break down early in the day; polar aspects at TL and above may hold dry snow depending on freezing level. Persistent intense solar and warm temps will continue to destabilize snowpack structure increasing the likelihood of natural and human triggered avalanches.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet and persistent slab avalanche activity observed on all aspects up to size 3 throughout the region. Icefalls, seracs and cornices continue to fail and trigger deeper instabilities.

Confidence

Regions covered