Archived

Avalanche Forecast

May 1st, 2013–May 2nd, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Jasper.

If temperatures rise higher than predicted on Thursday, the avalanche danger will increase on all aspects and elevations. Powder conditions still exist on northerly aspects but not for long!

Weather Forecast

Day time temperatures will progressively rise to the mid-twenties by Sunday.Â Overnight temperatures will break the freezing mark by Saturday.Â Winds will ease and the sun will shine.Â Finally!!

Snowpack Summary

40cm of snow has fallen in the Icefields area since Saturday. This has formed pockets of windslab at and above treeline. Bonding of this slab on Southerly slopes should be considered suspect. Below the new snow a thick melt freeze crust layers cap isothermal snow below. Sun crusts extend high into the alpine on South facing slopes.

Avalanche Summary

No reports of avalanches today.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

40cm of storm snow has fallen since Saturday. West and NW winds have moved this snow onto lee aspects. South facing aspects are particularly likely trigger areas where the bonding of the new snow to the old melt freeze crust is weakest.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

The recent storm snow will be sluffing off steep terrain as point release avalanches. Alpine and ice climbers should keep this in mind.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Large cornices are looming. On failure, deep releases may run far into the valley bottom.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3