Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2014 4:13PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The avalanche danger will increase as the day progressing. Rain and direct solar radiation will increase the speed and extent of the increasing danger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will cool over the next 48 hours with the freezing level dropping to the valley bottom overnight. Up to 10cm of fresh snow expected at upper elevations and rain showers at lower elevations. Winds will shift to the West and then back to the South.

Snowpack Summary

A crust extends from below treeline (TL) to sunny TL aspects. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs look thick on all lee alpine and TL slopes. Cornices are large and looming.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-2 loose avalanches noted Sunday from alpine to below treeline. They only occurred on the steepest solar aspects and stopped where angle eased. A couple cornice failures were noted in the alpine which did not result in any propagation. No avalanche observations on monday were reported.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Loose Wet

The snowpack is warming and has the potential to rapidly destabilize with solar exposure or rain. At these times the crust, found near the surface, will melt releasing the moist and wet snow beneath. The danger will increase rapidly as it does.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Be very cautious with gully features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Snow flurries on Tuesday will add to the danger near ridge tops and into the alpine. Good skiing will likely exist in sheltered locations at lower elevations.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2014 4:00PM