Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 5 – 6, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Start thinking spring like conditions. Avalanche hazard rating is for the the afternoon heat of the day. Good skiing and fast travel is out there to be had.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind slabs can be found in isolated locations in the alpine, if triggered they could step down to the persistent slab.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. Northerly aspects between 1900-2400m seem to be the problem area.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Spring sun is kicking a punch even through the clouds. Keep an eye out for changing surface snow conditions with different aspect and elevation.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet natural avalanche activity observed around the Icefields Parkway on solar aspects at tree line and below in the afternoon. One natural wind slab observed in north facing steep alpine feature off of Destiny ridge.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of new snow last week arrived with strong to extreme winds building winds slabs at treeline and above. A total of 20-40cm of snow now sits over the March 19th crust which is present everywhere except North aspects above 1900m. Solar aspects have multiple crusts within the upper 30 cm. The Feb 3rd crust interface is down 30-90cm. Basal depth hoar and facets make up the bottom of the snowpack. HS ranges from 50 to 150cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday: Cloudy with scattered flurries. Accumulation: 4 cm. Alpine temp: High -2 °C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h. Freezing level: 2100 m.Sunday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temp: Low -7 °C, High -4 °C. Ridge wind west: 15-30 km/h. Freezing level: 1800 m. Mountain Weather Forecast is available @ Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Regions covered