Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2014 4:00PM

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

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Thinner areas are likely trigger spots for deep persistent slab releases. Expect danger at all elevations to increase if temperatures spike unexpectedly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunday into Tuesday will bring a dusting of snow, clouds, and fluctuating temperatures. Daytime temperatures expected to remain around zero; however, models are uncertain for Monday and Tuesday's warmer temperatures and potentially strong winds.

Snowpack Summary

SW winds forming windslab along alpine ridge tops. A temperature crust is found on lower elevation slopes and a sun crust on southerly facing slopes into the alpine. A slab developing over the crust may result in an avalanche condition. Weak basal facets requires a large trigger, or a tickle in just the right spot, and would be a large avalanche.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported today.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Monday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Southwest winds are creating windslabs along alpine ridgelines and cross-loaded features. Their thickness and interface is variable depending on aspect, elevation, and localized weather influences.

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.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak basal facets and depth hoar remain intact and should be on your radar. This deep weakness is difficult to predict and has severe consequences. The snowpack above appears to be bridging the weakness; however, allot of spatial variability exists.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Conditions are greatly improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2014 4:00PM