Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 30th, 2014–May 1st, 2014
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

A spring avalanche cycle continues on Thursday as warm conditions destabilizes the snowpack.  Stay out of avalanche terrain until conditions improve.  The Maligne Road is closed until Friday Morning.

Weather Forecast

Warm temperatures continue overnight with the freezing level around 2200 m.  Another warm day on Thursday, clouding over by late afternoon with a good chance of rain showers Thursday evening.  A cooling trend begins on Friday along with periods of snow with alpine accumulations of up to 10 cm.  Snowy cool conditions continue through the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Freezing level to 3500 m with little overnight recovery of the melt freeze crust.  A widespread natural avalanche cycle will continue through Thursday.  Full depth avalanches are occurring on steep southerly aspects.

Avalanche Summary

A significant avalanche cycle is occurring at all elevations.  Most observations have been on southerly aspects but expect to see all aspects begin to perform on Thursday as freezing levels are to remain high and similar warm and sunny conditions are expected.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Wet Slabs

Wet slab avalanches are expected to continue on Thursday.
Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches can be expected on sunny south facing aspects as temperatures rise during the day.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Warm temperatures will weaken the large cornices that are out there.  Cornices will likely begin to fall Thursday afternoon.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3