Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 4th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada jasper snow safety, Parks Canada

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Good skiing can still be found in sheltered areas in the alpine.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunday broken skies and no new snow, Freezing levels to rise to 2300M

Monday broken skies with no new snow, Freezing levels to 2500M

Tuesday mix of sun and cloud with no new snow, Freezing levels 2600M

Snowpack Summary

10cm-20cm recent snow (elevation dependant) covers widespread wind effect from previous N winds, overlying crusts and facets in upper snowpack. The crusts are bridging on solar aspects. Occasional whumpfing at upper TL and in the ALP. Snowpack structure is generally faceted on polar aspects and weak in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations from field teams today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Weak mid-pack facets found in sheltered upper treeline and alpine features, loaded by recent new snow and moderate SW winds may overload this interface. Not likely to trigger naturally but sensitive to human triggering.

  • Good group management is essential to manage current conditions safely.
  • Watch for signs of instability such as recent avalanche activity, and whumpfing/cracking underfoot.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
  • Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by an upslope storm.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: May 5th, 2019 4:00PM