Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2014 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Some good snow can be found on sheltered northerly facing slopes near treeline. Watch for any signs of the snow melting with rain or solar radiation. At these times the danger will increase

Summary

Weather Forecast

Over the next 36hrs freezing levels are expected to remain below treeline. Snow flurries at upper elevations may produce up to 10cm with rain below. Solar radiation will be limited with mostly cloudy skies andÂ light to moderate variable winds from the West and North. A warming trend will resume towards the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

A crust extends to treeline (TL) on all aspect and on sunny slopes to near 2300 m. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs are found at and above TL slopes near ridges into the alpine. Cornices are large

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations over the past 24hrs on Tue with the cooling temperatures and overcast sky.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Loose Wet

Cool temperatures are limiting the extent of this problem. This can change rapidly with solar radiation particularly near rock alcoves that act like solariums. Watch for signs of snow melting during the day. These events will likely scrub to ground.

Be very cautious with gully features.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.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

This condition is most prevalent in the alpine near ridges and open bowl features. Near treeline the slabs are most threatening when sitting over buried sun crust on southerly facing slopes.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2014 4:00PM