Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Garth Lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Loose wet avalanches may start by noon depending on the sun. The Feb14 surface hoar is also buried 70-120cm down but its distribution is uncertain. Large avalanches could occur in isolated areas. Chances of cornice failures is also increasing.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Loose Wet

The sun is expected Friday into Sunday and it packs a punch. Depending on variables such as overnight temperatures, previous day temperatures, cloud cover, wind cooling effect, loose wet avalanches can occur rapidly. Expect activity of this nature.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer can wake up with daytime heat. There are reports of large avalanches to the South of us plus skiers at the Icefields triggered a size 3 last Sunday from a shallow area on the surface hoar. Investigate for this weakness before committing.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs exist lee aspects at treeline and alpine locations. Recent winds were Northerly so watch for reverse loading. No natural avalanches have been noted on this layer but bonds have not been tested.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2012 4:00PM