Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 24th, 2018 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet, Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

jasper snow safety, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Avalanche control is planned for Parker ridge area in late afternoon on Wednesday. Check Alberta 511.

Summary

Weather Forecast

This week will be sunny and very warm. Wednesday will be 2600m freezing level but then rise up to 3500m Thursday and Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Sun or temperature crusts extend to treeline and into the alpine on southerly slopes. Persistent slabs can be found on most aspects at treeline and above. These have been reactive to large triggers like cornice failures. Below 1,900m the snowpack is going isothermal on a daily basis.

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday observed a few loose wet avalanches below treeling up to the low alpine. Also a couple of fresh size 2-2.5's slabs were noted in the alpine. The mountains are waking up with the rising temperatures.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

The next few nights and days will be progressively warmer increasing the probability of loose wet avalanches. Start and end early plus be vigilant of overhead hazard as these avalanches have been gaining mass and running far.

If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

Triggering this slab would have serious consequences. Cornice failures are acting as triggers.

If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

Rising temperatures are causing cornices to fall triggering slopes below. Give them a wide berth.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Apr 25th, 2018 4:00PM