Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2014 5:06PM

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

rupert wedgwood, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Get out early and be home before the rain or intense solar warming happens. There is some great skiing to be had at all elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

More precipitation is forecast for region. Below treelineÂ (TL) this will fall as rain increasing the avalanche danger. Above, snowfall of 5-10cm in the next 36hrs. Freezing levels will start to drop below treeline into Friday and overnight cooling will allow the melt freeze crust to regain its strength before daybreak. Some models show sunshine.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of dust on curst with no wind effect. Below the new snow crusts extends to treeline (TL) on all aspect and on sunny slopes to near 2300 m. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Windslabs are found at and above TL slopes near ridges into the alpine. Cornices are large

Avalanche Summary

Several small point release loose dry avalanches from steep rocks.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Loose Wet

The 15cm of new snow will quickly melt with solar radiation or rain. Below treeline this will be widespread, in the alpine it will be most noticeable near rocky gullies and steep cliffs. With enough mass the debris may trigger much deeper releases.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Be very cautious with gully features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Last nights storm snow has been unaffected by Westerly wind up to 2400m. Older slabs below are of concern particularly on solar aspects where sun crust may provide a sliding layer. There have been no reports from the high alpine along the Divide.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is hard to pin down in its distribution. Areas of shallow rocks close by or below wind loaded pockets are likely zones. At 2300m there was one large whumph in the Bald Hills from a NE slope of this type on the 16th.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2014 4:00PM