Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 22 – 23, 2017Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Travel early and be off slopes by mid-day.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cornice failures are still being noted periodically on West aspects 2500-2800m. Give them a wide berth as their failure is hard to predict but increases with sun, warmth, wind-loading, or new snow.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Warm temperatures and direct solar radiation influence the distribution and magnitude. Freezing overnight temperatures decrease the danger in the morning until it warms up increasing the hazard. Most widespread on solar facing slopes.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4
    The deep instability could be triggered by a cornice failure. It is well bridged by a solid mid-pack; however, consider this problem becoming more active particularly on South aspects as the day warms up or the sun comes out.

Weather Forecast

Next few days will be slightly cooler than previous with some Arctic air, lower freezing levels, and light E winds. The sky will be mix sun and cloud with light flurries or rain in the valley. Accumulations will be minimal.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm snow Thursday night has settled into place. The upper snowpack is moist or wet by the afternoon depending on aspect and elevation. The mid-pack is solid and bridging the weak base. The bottom 30cm of the snowpack consists of weak facets and depth hoar mixed around the Nov rain crust. Below 1500m there is no snow.

Avalanche Summary

No field patrol today and no public reports. Maligne Road was closed Friday afternoon due to increasing loose wet avalanche hazard on a very warm sunny afternoon.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered