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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 6th, 2022–Apr 7th, 2022
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Recent wind slab and cornice activity noted up to size 2. Rising freezing level and incoming precipitation will increase the hazard Thursday and Friday. Expect road closures on Hwy 93 and Maligne Road on Friday - 511 for updates.

Weather Forecast

Thursday - mix of sun and cloud with freezing level rising to 2200m; winds light to moderate SW.  Expecting little recovery overnight with freezing level falling to 1500m then back to 2200m on Friday.  Friday will see flurries with mixed precip and rain possible at lower elevations up to 12mm.  Mix of sun and cloud and a cooling into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong SW winds have redistributed recent snow (up to 15cm Icefields area) into lee features in the alpine and down into treeline. The freezing level is forecast to reach 2200m Thursday with little to no recovery. There is a sun crust high into the alpine on solar aspects and and melt freeze crust up to 2200m. Midpack is well settled.

Avalanche Summary

One size 1.5 windslab observed on Indian ridge NE aspect alpine; 2 size 2 cornice failures that triggered wind slab below 30-50cm deep E aspect alpine K2 feature at the icefields.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds created fresh wind slabs. These new wind slabs sit over a variety of firm surfaces including wind effected snow and sun/temperature crusts.

  • Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Main concern during the heat of the day with strong solar input.

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Cornices

Fresh cornices are proving to be reactive with strong solar input and recent growth.

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3.5