Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2012 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Clear skies, intense sun, and freezing levels 1600m+ for Sunday. despite the melt-freeze cycle, do not underestimate solar radiation destabilizing the snowpack. Cornices are huge and with sun, expect some to fall acting as large triggers above you.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out expect a higher probability of naturally occurring moist avalanches especially in and around steep gullies, rocks, and alpine bowls. Recent activity of this nature have initiated deeper instabilities ie. windslabs / deep slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Slabs are present on exposed slopes and steep gully sidewalls. A few significant natural wind slab releases were noted Friday one being fairly wide, 38degrees and 50cm deep off Mt Kitcheners ridge facing the Icefields center. Keep this on your radar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

These deeper layers can wake up unexpectedly. A size 3 was triggered last Sunday at the Icefields from a shallow spot. Investigate for this weakness before committing. Profile today found the Feb14 surface hoar buried 80cm, unreactive yet present.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2012 4:00PM