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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 28th, 2023–Apr 29th, 2023
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
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
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

Regions: Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Jasper, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

This weekend will be a beautiful time to enjoy recreating in non-avalanche terrain, or in controlled areas like a ski hill.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Several deep persistent slabs and several loose wet avalanches were observed from the icefields parkway Thursday.No patrol on Friday but widespread natural loose wet avalanche observed from Jasper townsite.

Post avalanche observations to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Multiple melt-freeze and sun crusts exist in the upper snowpack on all aspects and elevations except true north facing alpine slopes. As alpine temperatures reach double digits, these crusts are losing cohesion and amalgamating into a moist surface snow. A crust/facet PWL lingers in the mid-pack in many areas at tree line and above. The main concern is the depth hoar and basal facets at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

A dramatic rise in daytime temperatures and strong solar radiation is forecasted for the next several days. There is also forecasted to be warm air trapped at higher elevations overnight, so don't let cool early mornings at valley bottom mislead you into thinking there has been a good overnight freeze.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Warming temperatures will continue to produce wet loose avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Certain

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar. These avalanches have the potential to reach the end of run out zones well below tree line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Cornices

Cornices will become increasingly unstable as the warm weather continues, and will likely act as triggers for the deep persistent slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3