Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 25th, 2014 4:22PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Touchy windslabs will form on the suncrust on South and West aspects. Good powder skiing can be found on North aspects at treeline and above.

Summary

Weather Forecast

An up-slope storm is still being forecasted with the majority of snow to fall Friday night with E winds. Crust recovery is expected at all elevations. There will be a mix of rain and snow showers through Saturday. Cloudy conditions on Sunday with moderate winds shifting to the SW. Temps will jump up to the 20's by mid-week.

Snowpack Summary

A rain crust from the valley bottom to 2,350m and a sun crust into Alpine on solar aspects. Wind slabs on NE aspects from 2,000 m to the alpine. Moist and wet snow exists below the crust extending into the alpine on solar aspects. The mid-pack is solid on North aspects. Large cornices.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity observed in the Icefields today. On April 23rd, avalanche control produced size 1-2 soft slabs at 2200m sliding on a rain crust and cornice failures produced size 3's on steep un-skiable terrain (Cromwell and Boundary peak).

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Storm Slabs

The incoming storm looks to be up-slope so slabs will be forming the suncrust on South and West aspects on Saturday.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers such as cornice failures have the potential to initiate deep avalanches. These could be could be a wet or dry slab characteristic depending on aspect.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

This condition is dependant upon prolonged exposure to direct sun. Monitor this and its effect on the crust. Move off slopes if crust begins to break down.

Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2014 4:00PM