Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 5 – 8, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

There is forecasted to be a spike in the freezing level on Sunday increasing to 2600-2800m. Start and end your day early. Sun plus the warm temperatures will lead to an increase in natural activity particularly if cornices fail acting as gargantuan triggers.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Solar warming may result in cornice failure, acting as a large trigger on the slope below. Avoid overhead exposure containing overhanging cornices.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Small avalanches have the potential to step down to this deeper problem layer, made up of buried weaker facets below an crust formed earlier in the season.

  • Loose Wet

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

    This will form on solar aspects, starting around rocks and trees that may contribute to warming the snow around them.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Size 2 and 3 avalanches have been observed consistently the last few days. It is becoming difficult to determine what is new and old. Some avalanches are being triggered by cornice failures, sun, or loose wet slides that trigger deeper layers. Expect this pattern to continue.

Snowpack Summary

There is 10-35 cm of soft snow overlying a crust on all but due north aspects. 1-5mm Surface hoar sits on top of this crust in many areas. A 50-100 cm settled mid-pack rests on top of weak facets. The lower snowpack consists of depth hoar and breaking down crusts. Tree line snow depth is 110-170 cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday will be a mix of sun and cloud, 2 °C, and 2500m or higher freezing level. Expect Monday will bring clouds, flurries, -2 to 2 °C, and 2200m freezing level. Tuesday will be clouds and sun, slightly cooler temperatures, and 1900m freezing level. Wednesday will be similar conditions to Tuesday.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.

Regions covered