Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 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 Cornices.

mike eder, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Cornices are large throughout the forecast area. Avoid slopes that could expose you to cornice failure.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow flurries overnight in the icefields area with some rain in the valley bottoms near the townsite. Temps will be cooler on Saturday with a mix of sun and clouds. The freezing level with rise only to 1500m during the day with only light NW winds. Warmer temperatures and sunny spring weather is expected to start Monday afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

Strong Southwesterly winds have created pockets of windslab and scoured any exposed areas at upper elevations. Weak basal facets are bridged by a strong mid-pack in most areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

Natural cornice failures continue and many more are waiting their turn to fall.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have formed on lee slopes and cross loaded features at alpine and exposed tree line elevations.

Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Natural cornice failures are being observed daily. Pay attention to what is above you and avoid cornice exposed slopes.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2015 4:00PM