Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2014 4:00PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Watch for signs of rapid warming and intense solar radiation. Under these conditions the avalanche danger will increase.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light SW winds, flurries with up to 10cm of localized deposits. The freezing level will be close to 1,700 m with limited solar radiation. Overnight lows will be down to -6

Snowpack Summary

45cm of storm snow continues to settle and has received minimal wind affect. A temperature crust can be found on most lower elevation slopes and a sun crust on southerly facing slopes into the alpine. At elevation and if buried by blown snow this will present some avalanche danger. At lower elevation, when intact, is provides stability & support.

Avalanche Summary

Skier accidental sz 2.5 reported from the Shangri-La area earlier in the week, triggered remotely from a shallow spot and stepped down to ground. Avalanche control work in the Columbia Icefield area on monday produced size 2 storm slabs & isolated larger avalanches up to size 3 that failed on ground.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This layer may be buried up to a meter below the surface in wind loaded areas. In such areas the upper snowpack may be providing bridging strength. Areas of shallow snowpack particularly adjacent to wind loaded slopes are of greatest concern.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best skiing today.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer was seen to wake up and produce large avalanche under the influence of strong solar radiation. Convective weather patterns can produce short lived cloud clearances allowing intense solar exposure. Cornice failures can trigger this layer.

Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

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