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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 23rd, 2014–Apr 24th, 2014
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

Assess the new storm snow's bonding to the crust below. Will take few days to bond. Spring conditions exist so start early and end early.

Weather Forecast

Flurries and cooler temperatures will occur Thursday into Saturday. Freezing levels will reach 2000m in the afternoons and drop overnight continuing the spring cycle. 

Snowpack Summary

Rain was followed by snow followed by cool temperatures Tuesday evening. Rained up to 2300m. A thin storm slab developed overlying previous temperature crust. Alpine elevations, the snowpack has a solid mid-pack over a faceted base. Cornices are large and ominous. BTL the crust present but deteriorates by the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Helibombs on Parkers slab produced size 1-2 storm slabs sliding on crust. A couple of cornice failures noted producing size 3's on steep unskiable terrain (Cromwell and Boundary peak). A couple size 1.5-2.5 solar point releases noted out of steep alpine rocky South bowl features.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Tuesday's storm did not bring a lot of snow yet it was enough to form a thin storm slab. It rests on slippery temperature crust and may have more depth to it where wind loading has occurred. It will meld into the snowpack but give it a few days.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Cooler temperatures are regulating loose wet avalanches; however, when the sun pokes out, solar aspects can quickly wake up increasing the overall danger. Depending on the overnight freeze, lower elevations will tend to wake up quicker.
Make your travel plans to take advantage of overnight freezing.Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers such as cornice failures have the potential to initiate deep avalanches. Depending on aspect, could be a wet or dry slab. Consequences would be severe. Be aware of shallow spots as trigger zones and looming cornices about to drop.  
Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3