Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Jasper.
Warm spell is over but the aftermath may persist for the next few days despite cooler temperatures and minimal precipitation.
Weather Forecast
High pressure continues over Northern BC and Alberta, rapidly establishing spring conditions in the region. Positive daytime temperatures, light winds, strong solar and rising freezing level to as high as 3000m can be expected daily and for the near future.
Snowpack Summary
Spring has Sprung! Expect a crust on solar aspects as the warm spell is coming to an end. It may take few days of cold temperature to dry all of the upper snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
Loose wet and wet slabs to ground avalanche activity observed on all aspects up to size 3 throughout the region. Icefalls, seracs and cornices continue to fail and trigger deeper instabilities.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Rapidly rising temperatures and strong solar radiation has made this a variable but significant problem at all elevations and aspects during the warm spell of the last few days, this problem will dissipate as the cold front arrives on Sunday.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices are awake! These features are extremely large, dense and heavy and will likely trigger the deeper instability on the slope below. If you must travel near or below cornices, use good travel techniques and group management to reduce exposure.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Forecasters are noting an increase in activity; seeing many larger slides, stepping down to ground or ice. Shallow snowpack areas and solar aspects have increased potential for human triggered and natural avalanches stepping to deeper layers.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5