Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2016 4:11PM

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

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Meow is the the time to get out early and be home before it gets warm. Freezing lvl rising to 2350m Thurs and up to 3200m on Friday!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Very light amounts of precip in the overnight forecast (>1mm). Mostly sunny on Thursday with alpine temperatures expected near +1 by the afternoon with light west winds. Freezing levels rising to 3200m on Friday with mostly sunny skies.

Snowpack Summary

Supportive crust (20cm to 3cm) at tree-line and below, making travel easy on skis. Persistent slab, 30 to 70cms thick, reacting to compression tests on facets in the low moderate range. Expect to see this more reactive underfoot as crust breaks down and freezing level rises. Mod - Strong winds pushing small amount of HN into pockets of slab.

Avalanche Summary

Old activity to size 2.5, mostly on solar aspects observed by field teams along the Icefields Parkway. Mix of loose wet and slab avalanches observed.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Rising temperatures will increase the likelihood of triggering this problem. Shallow areas are likely trigger spots.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Pay attention to daytime warming and stay away from sunny slopes in the afternoon

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large hanging cornices will weaken with rising temperatures. Use caution traveling below or near them.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2016 4:00PM