Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 3 – 4, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

20 cm of snow with Strong East winds will create a reverse loading condition on south and westerly aspects.  This is an unusual situation so greater care is needed on familiar slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    20 cm of snow possible with strong East winds will create a reverse loading condition in the Alpine.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Large cornices or surface avalanches are the likely trigger for this deep persistent weak layer.

Weather Forecast

Up to 20 cm of snow predicted for Saturday with moderate to Strong East winds in the Alpine.  Clear skies on Sunday with light winds and seasonal temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

Pockets of wind pressed soft slabs were observed in the Parkers Area on Northerly aspects at alpine and treeline elevations. 3-5 cm of fluffy snow over a temperature crust can be found on all aspects tree line and above to 2500m. A supportive midpack sits over a weak basal facet layer in most areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

A few small point release avalanches at treeline observed on Good Friday.  Of note, a large serac fall off Mt. Athabasca failed to initiate an avalanche.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered