Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2013 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cooler temperatures will help to stabilize treeline and below treeline conditions on Thursday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries will continue on Thursday with little in the way of accumulation expected. Moderate to strong SW winds will continue slab development below ridgelines. Temperatures will be cooler. More snow, possibly heavy at times, may fall on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Despite rain and above freezing temperatures, the melt freeze crust remained intact at treeline. This crust provides stability above a wet and unconsolidated snowpack. Stiff windslabs have formed on a smooth temperature crust below ridgelines on north to north east facing slopes treeline and in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed in the Maligne or Icefields areas.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Storm Slabs

10 cm of storm snow accompanied by strong SW winds have built stiff slab conditions on the smooth sliding surface formed by previous temperature crusts on lee treeline and alpine slopes.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices are big. Minimize your exposure time beneath them and staying well back from wind exposed ridge crests.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2013 4:00PM