Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2015 4:00PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

10 cm of snow overnight with light East winds will improved ski quality. Enjoy winter while we still have it!

Summary

Weather Forecast

The expected storm has been delayed. 10 cm of snow is expected overnight on Saturday and then another 10 cm on Sunday with light East winds. Temperatures will remain cool. Flurries on Monday with an additional 5 cm possible. A clear warm trend begins on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Pockets of wind pressed and soft wind slabs near ridgelines on Northerly aspects at alpine and treeline elevations. Suncrust on solar aspects. 5-10 cm over a supportive temperature crust can be found on all aspects tree line and above to 2500m. The weak basal facet layer is bridged by a strong mid-pack in most areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

Patrols up Maligne and to the Icefields yielded no new avalanche observations.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind pressed snow and windslabs can be found on lee aspects and cross loaded features at treeline and above.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger for this deep persistent weak layer.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2015 4:00PM