Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Time to start and end early to avoid the afternoon warming, increasing the overall hazard. Be aware of steep solar aspect gully features particularly in the late afternoon which could produce avalanches up to size 2.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect another good freeze Thurs and Friday nights. Friday daytime will be spring like temperatures but clouds and wind will increase throughout the day. Two weak cold fronts will move through Friday evening into Sunday. Daytime temperatures will be cooler and some snow which may start as rain in valley bottom. 1200m freezing level for Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Suncrust is found on solar aspects. 5-10 cm of snow can be located sporadically and largely aspect dependent over a supportive temperature crust above 2200m. Weak basal facets are bridged by a strong mid-pack in most areas treeline and above. Little change for sometime.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the Maligne lake area today. Debris from recent cornice falls have been noted recently on steep unskiable terrain which DID NOT propagate any avalanches on the slopes below.

Confidence

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

Problems

Cornices

Cornice failures have been noted on steep unskiable terrain. Avoid this overhead hazard while traveling as warm spring temperatures may increase this potential.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Solar radiation on steep solar aspects is increasing the hazard during the course of the day. creating surface conditions that could build enough mass to bury a person or increase the consequences with terrain traps. Travel early on solar aspects.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2015 4:00PM