Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Heavy wet snow expected through the weekend that will fall on a weak isothermal snowpack. Expect poor tree-line travel.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Rain turning to snow overnight with 10 cm possible.Â The freezing level will fall on Saturday and will hover around 2200m through the weekend.Â Seasonal temperatures with showers expected through the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Rain changing to snow overnight adding ~10 cm of heavy wet snow. Isothermal conditions exist well into the alpine due to prolonged +3500m freezing level. Expecting a weak overnight recovery above 2500m on Friday night. The persistent slab problem still exists on north facing alpine slopes.

Avalanche Summary

No recent observations however expecting continued loose wet and wet slab avalanches especially with forecasted rain and wet snow through the weekend.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem primarily remains on alpine slopes as much of the lower snowpack has either melted or is now isothermal.

Travel early on frozen crusts before the heat of the day.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Loose Wet

Rain and heavy snow overnight on Friday will continue the loose wet avalanche cycle.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

All cornices should be suspect for failure with continuing warm temperatures and rain on Friday.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2016 4:00PM