Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 23rd, 2015 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 Cornices and Deep Persistent Slabs.

steve blagbrough, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cooler temperatures with a few snow flurries over the weekend before warmer weather pushes back in next week.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps have softened up the snow surface into spring conditions. At treeline, lee aspects have a series of windslabs sandwiched with thin weaknesses in the upper snowpack. A strong midpack bridges over weak basal facets on Northerly aspects at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today. One size 3 slab with a 2m crown was observed on Indian Ridge on Tuesday. Time to put full depth avalanches on the radar.

Confidence

Problems

Cornices

Cornices are large and can collapse anytime. This is a trigger that could initiate a full depth avalanche. Pay attention to what is above and avoid cornice exposed slopes.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Time to put full depth avalanches on the radar. The potential for this is related to extent of overnight recovery, large triggers such as a cornice failure, and daytime warming. This increases as spring conditions progress.

Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 24th, 2015 4:00PM