Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Deryl Kelly,

Jasper.

Hard hit of spring like conditions before a significant cooling trend leading into next week.

Planned closures of the Icefields Parkway between Parkers Ridge and Sask Crossing and Maligne Lake road. Timely updates to road status available at AB511

Summary

Weather Forecast

Variable weather through out the forecast region with rain and/or snow possible at TL and below. Best to select area specific forecasts via Avalanche Canada's Mountain Weather Forecasts resources.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong SW winds have redistributed recent snow (up to 15cm Icefields area) into lee features in the alpine and down into treeline. The freezing levels reaching well into TL with strong probability of rain on Friday. There is a sun crust high into the alpine on solar aspects and and melt freeze crust up to 2200m. Midpack is well settled.

Avalanche Summary

Previously reported size 1.5 windslab observed on Indian ridge NE aspect alpine; 2 size 2 cornice failures that triggered wind slab below 30-50cm deep E aspect alpine K2 feature at the icefields.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Loose Wet

Main concern during the heat of the day with rain and solar input.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wet Slabs

Strong SW winds created fresh wind slabs. These new wind slabs sit over a variety of firm surfaces including wind effected snow and sun/temperature crusts.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Fresh cornices are proving to be reactive with strong solar input and recent growth.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3.5

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2022 4:00PM