Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Depending on the degree of overnight freeze, consider a.m. to be reduced hazard and increasing with daytime heating especially with sun. Cornice failures and one size 3 was noted today. Freezing level may spike to 3000m or higher on Tuesday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Monday

Problems

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out expect a higher probability of naturally occurring moist avalanches in and around steep gullies, rocks, and alpine bowls. Recent activity of this nature has initiated deeper instabilities ie. windslabs / deep slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Slabs are present on exposed slopes and steep gully sidewalls. A significant wind slab release was noted Friday off Mt Kitcheners ridge facing the Icefields center. It was 50cm deep, 38 degrees or less in places, and ran a fair distance.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

These deeper layers can wake up unexpectedly. A size 3 was triggered last Sunday at the Icefields from a shallow spot. Investigate for this weakness before committing. Profile Saturday found Feb14 surface hoar buried 80cm, unreactive yet present.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2012 4:00PM