Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 20th, 2014–Apr 21st, 2014

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

Regions: Jasper.

Plan to travel early to take advantage of the crust and be off big slopes by mid-day. The avalanche hazard will rise on slopes with prolonged exposure to the sun.

Weather Forecast

Monday will be seasonal temperatures, some cloud, and light SW winds. Tuesday will be similar yet expect precipitation developing late in the day, shifting winds from SE, snow at higher elevations likely being rain below 2500m. Some models are suggesting 25cm of snow which could translate to significant amount of rain.

Snowpack Summary

The crust is staying intact except for the steepest solar facing aspects below tree-line. The snowpack remains moist below this crust up to tree-line elevation. Higher elevations, the snowpack is a well bridged mid-pack over a faceted base. Cornices are large and ominous.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observed Sunday at Maligne and Icefields.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Overnight recovery of the melt freeze crust is occurring; however, expect loose wet slides by mid-day especially if exposed to intense solar radiation. Gauge the amount of overnight freeze of the crust to how quickly it can destabilize.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

No recent activity on this layer; however, triggering remains possible from thin rocky areas on loaded features.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3