Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2017 4:00PM

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

A.L. Horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Expecting a cool, breezy Easter Weekend with scattered flurries. The snowpack is stronger but the weak faceted base is still lurking. Remember this when assessing your travel plans.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries expected until Sunday with potential accumulation of 15 cm scattered through the forecast area. Winds increasing to moderate from the west. Freezing level falling into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Grabby melt freeze crust, solar aspects. Dryer surface snow on polar aspects over a solid mid-pack bridging the weak base above 2000m. The base is a combination of weak facets and depth hoar mixed around a Nov rain crust. A consistent melt-freeze cycle is occurring below tree line. Snowpack has cooled at tree-line and above.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported on Maligne patrol.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The deep instability could be triggered by large loads such as a cornice failure or a surface avalanche. Human triggering is most likely from shallow spots or on steep unsupported slopes.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.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

Cornices

Cornice failure is hard to predict. Wise to give them a wide berth.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2017 4:00PM