Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 14 – 15, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Dig down and assess the snowpack before committing to terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    South west winds will pick up through the weekend. Watch for newly developed wind slab in lee features.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Stronger overnight freezes may keep this problem in check until mid to late afternoons. Watch out if the sun comes out. Wet loose avalanches can step-down to our basal facets in steep terrain resulting in large avalanches.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 skier remote or accidental triggered avalanche was observed on the regular approach to the north glacier on Mt. Athabasca on Thursday. No result from explosive control on Parker Slabs on Friday.

Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of snow sits on multiple crusts up to 2400m. Snow pit tests are showing results in the weak facet crystals below these crusts on south aspects. Above 2400m the surface snow is dry. The snowpack below 1800m is in a daily melt-freeze cycle. The mid-pack above this elevation consists of multiple layers of sun crusts or facets. Depth hoar and basal facets make up the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: High -4 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15-35 km/h.

Freezing level: 1800 metres.

Sunday

Flurries.

Accumulation: 8 cm.

Alpine temperature: Low -6 °C, High 0 °C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15-30 km/h.

Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Remember that the snowpack will be significantly different at higher elevations than lower down.
  • Pay attention to the wind, once it starts to blow fresh sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.

Regions covered