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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 11th, 2013–Apr 12th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

Weather Forecast

Good overnight freeze for Thursday night, with freezing levels hovering around 1200m during the daytime for the next few days.  Winds light to moderate from the SW with convective precipitation expected through the weekend with up to 15mm of precipitation possible by Sunday evening.

Snowpack Summary

Melt freeze crust below 2000m on all aspects, new windslab (10cm thick) found on lee aspets at exposed ridgecrests above treeline.  10cm of new snow in past 24 hours, rapidly settling and moist below 2200m.  Sun crust on solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural slab avalanches observed in past 24 hours in both the Columbia Icefield Area and Maligne Lake district.  Size 2 - 2.5, on lee aspects below ridgelines between 2200-2400m.  Several large cornice failures reported, and some of these did trigger storm slabs on the slopes below to size 2.  Loose dry point releases on steep N terrain.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have formed new windslabs on lee aspects below ridgecrests above treeline.  These slabs are roughly 10-15cm thick, and where they are sitting on previous crusts may be reactive to skier traffic.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Several cornice failures were observed in the past 48hours and some of these did trigger storm slabs on the slopes below up to size 2. 
Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

Recent snowfall came in warm and stuck to steep rock and ice.  This terrain will shed this snow with daytime heating.
Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.Finish ice climbs early in the day before the temperature rises.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2