Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 23 – 24, 2018Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Solar triggered avalanches and cornice failures will increase in frequency the next few days as each day will be warmer than the previous. Temperatures expected to spike Wednesday and Thursday.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3
    Rising temperatures are causing cornices to fall triggering slopes below. Give them a wide berth.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3
    Triggering this slab would have serious consequences. Cornice failures are acting as triggers.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    The next few nights and days will be progressively warmer increasing the probability of loose wet avalanches. Start and end early plus be vigilant of overhead hazard as these avalanches have been gaining mass and running far.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will be sun and cloud, no snow, high of 3 C, light winds, and 2600m or higher freezing level. Wednesday will be similar but warmer and with a slightly higher freezing level. Thursday will be sunny and very warm with freezing level up to 3600m and 10 C temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

Sun or temperature crusts extend to treeline and into the alpine on southerly slopes. Persistent slabs can be found on most aspects at treeline and above. These have been reactive to large triggers like cornice failures. Below 1,900m the snowpack is going isothermal on a daily basis.

Avalanche Summary

Monday there was a report of a size 2 above upper weeping wall stopped at the trees. Another size 2 was noted on the Churchill slide path. Things are waking up with the rising temperatures. Sunday size 2 slab avalanche occurred on the E slopes of Lectern, initiating in the alpine and running to treeline. Loose wet activity is also increasing.

Confidence

Regions covered