Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 13 – 14, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Spring conditions - travel early and be off slopes before it warms up.  The Maligne Lake Road is closed but will likely open Monday evening.  Expect delays on the Icefields Parkway late in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Windslabs are present below ridgelines and on cross-loaded features.  No avalanche activity has been observed on these slabs but field teams have not tested bonding.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    A melt freeze crust is present with wet snow beneath. The crust will deteriorate by mid afternoon. Steep solar aspects have the greatest likelihood. 

Weather Forecast

Cold tonight then warm and sunny tomorrow with S winds.  A cool day with flurries is expected Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

A crust extends from below treeline (TL) to sunny TL aspects. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs look thick on all lee alpine and TL slopes. Cornices are large and looming.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-2 loose avalanches noted Sunday from alpine to below treeline. They only occurred on the steepest solar aspects and stopped where angle eased. A couple cornice failures were noted in the alpine which did not result in any propagation.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Monday

Regions covered