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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

May 5th, 2024–May 6th, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

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

Overhead hazards such as cornices should be on your radar.Warm temperatures are gradually penetrating the snowpack. The combination with the new snow arriving on Monday has a potential to awaken deeper instabilities.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Icefields parkway patrol noticed several small loose wet natural avalanches on all aspects and at all elevations.

Jasper Visitor Safety received a second hand report of a very large slab avalanche, triggered by a cornice fall on Friday. This avalanche took place in steep glaciated terrain near Columbia Icefields and scrubbed to glacial ice with crown as deep as a few meters.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks snow melting away below tree line and amalgamating with old snow elsewhere due to warm temperatures. Below, cornucopia of crusts up to 2600m, all aspects, and mountain top on solar aspects. Average height of snow 50-100cm. Below tree line is below threshold.

Weather Summary

Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada

Monday: Flurries. Accumulation: 7 cm. Alpine temperature: High 0 °C. Ridge wind west: 15-25 km/h. Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • The likelihood of deep persistent slab avalanches will increase with each day of warm weather.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Rising temperatures and sun the next few days in combination with the recent snowfall will increase the problem's potential. Be aware of the potential for loose wet or dry avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't bonded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

There is a lot of uncertainty in the reactivity and likelihood of the basal layer being triggered, however, the last three days have seen warm temperatures penetrating deeper in the snowpack and this may tickle the deep instabilities in the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5