Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2014 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

The avalanche hazard will rise on slopes with prolonged exposure to the sun. Plan to travel early to take advantage of the crust and be off big slopes by mid-day.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy conditions through Sunday with gusty SW winds and little precipitation expected. A cold overnight low on Sunday night will significantly recover the melt freeze crust from treeline to valley bottom. Sunny warm conditions on Monday and a significant rain event expected on Tue/Wed. The avalanche danger will rise accordingly.

Snowpack Summary

The crust that formed Fri. night was starting to break down on solar aspects below treeline by Sat. PM, elsewhere it stayed intact. Cloudy conditions overnight may prevent a strong crust from reforming. Generally the snowpack is; moist snow below the crust to TL, well bonded and warm mid-pack, and a weak faceted base. Cornices are large.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observed today. Recent slab activity has been observed on SW aspects at treeline on the Feb 10th layer. loose dry out of steep SW rocky alpine features and loose wet on solar aspect at treeline and below.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Loose Wet

Little overnight recovery of the melt freeze crust is expected. Loose wet slides are possible by mid-day especially if exposed to intense solar radiation.

Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

No recent activity on this layer however triggering may be possible from thin rocky areas on loaded features.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2014 4:00PM