Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 4 – 5, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

As the winds have switched to easterly direction, you may encounter reverse loading.Be on the lookout for freshly formed wind slabs and avoid overhead cornice exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs can be found in specific locations in the alpine, if triggered they could step down to the persistent slab.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. Northerly aspects between 1900-2400m seem to be the problem area.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity on the Icefields Parkway or Maligne Lake Road yesterday.

Marmot Basin reported a large explosive triggered slab avalanche scrubbing to the basal facet layer on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of new snow overnight on Tuesday arrived with strong to extreme SW wind building winds slabs at treeline and above. A total of 20-40cm of snow now sits over the March 19th crust which is present everywhere except North aspects above 1900m. Solar aspects have multiple crusts within the upper 30 cm. The Feb 3rd crust interface is down 30-90cm. Basal depth hoar and facets make up the bottom of the snowpack. HS ranges from 50 to 150cm.

Weather Summary

On Friday ,no significant accumulations are expected. Moderate easterly winds at ridgetop will become westerly by the afternoon hours. Freezing levels are expected to around 1900 m.

Saturday A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. Alp temp: Low -7 °C, High -1 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level: 2200 m.

Mountain Weather Forecast is available @ Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Regions covered