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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 11th, 2014–Apr 12th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Jasper.

Avalanche control on the Icefields Parkway is possible this Monday as warm temperatures and sunny skies will destabilize the snowpack treeline and below.....stay tuned!

Weather Forecast

Cool temps overnight will continue through the day Saturday.  Snow flurries will begin tonight but skies will clear by tomorrow afternoon.  Another cold night expected Saturday then the sun will come out and temperatures will rebound on Sunday and Monday.

Snowpack Summary

At treeline (TL) and below, warming temperatures have destabilized the snowpack with moist snow in the upper pack. Surface crusts will form overnight when temps drop. Solar facing slopes close to TL may have buried crusts with slab snow above. Deeply buried weaknesses near ground are a concern as are windslabs at and above TL.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of slab avalanches to size 2.5 treeline to alpine have occurred in the past 48 hrs.  A large alpine cornice failure on an E aspect slope had limited propagation.  Afternoon warming and solar radiation has produced point and wet slab releases from below treeline.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Most observed avalanches in the past week have stepped down to this layer. Triggers include: wind loading, cornice fall and solar exposure. Most commonly triggered from shallow areas or near rock outcrops.
Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Gusty moderate SW winds continue to form slabs dating from early April. Sheltered snow does exist at treeline and below.
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, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

A melt freeze crust will form overnight however it will  deteriorate rapidly with prolonged solar exposure.
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, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2