Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 18th, 2012 4:17PM

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

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

A change from the recent cloudy conditions to sunny skies may wake up snowpack weaknesses that have been dormant as of late. More caution is needed on sun exposed slopes at all elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs are present below corniced ridgelines. These slabs have not been reactive in the past week, however, warm temps and solar exposure may wake them up.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Warmer temperatures and sunny skies will increase the likelihood these avalanches. These slides may trigger slab avalanches deeper in the snowpack, especially around convexities near treeline.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is now buried by a settled upper snowpack. Triggering of this layer is still possible especially from a thin spot.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 19th, 2012 4:00PM