Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2019–Apr 18th, 2019

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

Regions: Jasper.

ROAD CLOSURE: The Icefields Parkway (93N) is likely to be closed due to increased avalanche hazard on Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning from Parker Ridge to Saskatchewan Crossing. For updates check: https://511.alberta.ca

Weather Forecast

For the Parker Ridge Area:

Thursday:

Periods of snow: 15cm (rain below treeline)

Treeline temperature: High 0 C.

Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.

Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Snowpack Summary

Above treeline 15-20cm of settling snow sits on a variety of crusts. Above 2200m on northerly slopes, a more winter like snowpack can be found, with windslab, a peristent weak layer down 20-50cm and a facetted mid and lower snowpack which is weak in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

There was natural windslab activity observed in the past couple of days. The mid march PWL continues to produce whumphing in shallower snowpack areas and on moraine features, indicating unstable snow below.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Snowpack tests and whumphing would suggest that a weak layer of facets persists down 20-50cm in some areas. This layer will likely become reactive with loading from forecasted snow on Friday. Use caution specifically in shallow alpine features.

Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.
Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Windslabs are likely forming treeline and above with strong SW winds and new snow.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2