Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2015 4:00PM

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

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Watch for slab conditions on lee aspects of ridges and terrain features. Choose your travel and ski lines to avoid overhead hazards are cornices are large and ready to fall.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A small system is expected to bring 6 - 10cm of new snow for Saturday. This will combine with sun and clouds to make some good skiing weather.

Snowpack Summary

Soft slabs were observed on Northerly aspects around terrain features in the Whistler creek area at alpine and treeline elevations. A temperature crust can be found on all aspects up to 2500m. A supportive midpack sits over a weak basal facet layer in most areas at treeline and above. Large cornices exist at ridge line.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches reported in the forecast area. No natural avalanches were observed during a fieldtrip to the Whislter creek drainage. However, some snowballing was evident on solar aspects in the afternoon

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

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

Unlikely - 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 3rd, 2015 4:00PM