Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 23 – 24, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Assess the new storm snow's bonding to the crust below. Will take few days to bond. Spring conditions exist so start early and end early.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Tuesday's storm did not bring a lot of snow yet it was enough to form a thin storm slab. It rests on slippery temperature crust and may have more depth to it where wind loading has occurred. It will meld into the snowpack but give it a few days.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Cooler temperatures are regulating loose wet avalanches; however, when the sun pokes out, solar aspects can quickly wake up increasing the overall danger. Depending on the overnight freeze, lower elevations will tend to wake up quicker.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Large triggers such as cornice failures have the potential to initiate deep avalanches. Depending on aspect, could be a wet or dry slab. Consequences would be severe. Be aware of shallow spots as trigger zones and looming cornices about to drop.  

Weather Forecast

Flurries and cooler temperatures will occur Thursday into Saturday. Freezing levels will reach 2000m in the afternoons and drop overnight continuing the spring cycle. 

Snowpack Summary

Rain was followed by snow followed by cool temperatures Tuesday evening. Rained up to 2300m. A thin storm slab developed overlying previous temperature crust. Alpine elevations, the snowpack has a solid mid-pack over a faceted base. Cornices are large and ominous. BTL the crust present but deteriorates by the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Helibombs on Parkers slab produced size 1-2 storm slabs sliding on crust. A couple of cornice failures noted producing size 3's on steep unskiable terrain (Cromwell and Boundary peak). A couple size 1.5-2.5 solar point releases noted out of steep alpine rocky South bowl features.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Regions covered