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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 25th, 2017–Apr 26th, 2017
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
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
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

Regions: Jasper.

Skiing is good as new snow remains loose and unaffected by wind. Temperatures expected to stay cool next couple days so good time to get out there.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night will be clear and -8 to -12 degrees. Wednesday will start clear but increasing cloud into the afternoon. Wednesday will be relatively cool at -2 to -4 and 1800m freezing level. This freezing level will maintain into Thursday with increasing cloud and potential for some more precipitation Thursday to Friday.

Snowpack Summary

20cm loose new snow sits overtop a melt freeze crust in many locations above tree line. Mid pack is consolidated and bridges the weak base. The bottom snowpack is mixed facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

Tuesday's Icefields patrol noted one size 3 slab 72 hours old on West aspect at 2500m. Some small solar point releases noted out of rocky areas. 

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Wednesday

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and direct solar radiation influence  its distribution and magnitude. Freezing overnight temperatures decrease the danger in the morning until it warms up increasing the hazard. Most widespread on solar facing slopes.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornice failures are still being noted periodically on West aspects 2500-2800m. Give them a wide berth as their failure is hard to predict but increases with sun, warmth, wind-loading, or new snow.
Avoid travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The deep instability could be triggered by a cornice failure. It is well bridged by a solid mid-pack; however, consider this problem becoming more active particularly on South aspects as the day warms up or the sun comes out.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4