Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 28th, 2014–Apr 29th, 2014

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Jasper.

The avalanche danger is Low as long as the melt freeze crust remains intact. The danger will rise rapidly as the crust deteriorates with sun exposure and daytime heating. Freezing levels are to rise dramatically Wednesday and Thursday.

Weather Forecast

Freeze-thaw conditions continue. Tuesday will be mainly sunny and slightly warmer temperatures as a result. Wednesday and Thursday will be sun and freezing levels rising to 3500m.

Snowpack Summary

There is rain crust from the valley bottom to 2,350m and a sun crust into Alpine on solar aspects. Settled wind slabs are on NE aspects from 2,000 m to the alpine. Moist and wet snow exists below the crust extending into the alpine on solar aspects. The mid-pack is solid on North aspects. Large and ominous cornices.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose wet size 2 noted on Mt sask at 2100-2500m stopping before the river. One size 2 loose wet off boundary peak. Cornice failure peak across sunwapta station E aspect initiated nothing. Dated report sometime before Saturday from Cirrus creek size 3 slab.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Slabs that rest on the April 22 crust have not been reactive lately. It is still possible to trigger these slabs on steep terrain below ridgelines or convex features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Cornice failures or triggering from thin spots have the potential to initiate deep avalanches. Depending on aspect, these could be a wet or dry slab characteristic.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3