Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

Parks Canada max darrah, Parks Canada

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Jasper.

Enjoy the great spring skiing in Jasper - just remember to look for signs of instability related to the daily pattern of afternoon heating that dramatically increases the avalanche hazard. Plan to be off sun exposed slopes early in the day!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cool temperatures and clear skies until Wednesday, promoting good overnight freezes.  On Wednesday we expect a significant pulse of precipitation (15mm), accompanied by strong westerly winds in the alpine.  This will very likely result in rain below 1600m and up to 30cm of snow at upper elevations.  Temps to cool for Thurs, freeze level at 1000m.

Snowpack Summary

Last week's 15cm of storm snow has likely led to some new windslab formation in exposed areas at upper elevations. Spring conditions mean low hazard in AM with frozen snowpack and potentially high hazard with daytime heating. Small loose wet slides are a good indicator that it is time to be heading for apres-ski. 

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, several loose avalanches were observed from steep rock cliffs. Alpine and treeline locations were not visible. Steep, Southerly aspects below 1600m are mostly melted out. Watch for daytime heating breaking the crust down increasing the danger. Heating also promotes cornice failures which may initiate a large slide.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Cornices are big, heavy and losing strength this time of year.  Give them the respect they deserve by minimizing exposure time beneath them and staying well back from wind exposed ridge crests.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
New snow (15cm) rests on a buried smooth temperature crust particularly on South aspects. The surface snow can quickly become wet and active with heat from the sun.
Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2013 4:00PM

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