Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 12 – 13, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

An avalanche cycle is expected Sunday and Monday afternoons as temperatures warm and solar radiation is intense.  Travel early and be off slopes before conditions heat up.  Expect closures or delays on the Parkway.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Fat windslabs are present below ridgelines and on cross-loaded features. The bond between these slabs and the snow beneath is uncertain, however, warm temps and solar exposure will weaken them.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    A melt freeze crust is present with wet to moist snow beneath. The crust will deteriorate by mid afternoon and and avalanches are likely after this time. Steep solar aspects have the greatest likelihood.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Large triggers such as cornice fall or smaller slab/loose wet avalanches may trigger this weakness. Skier could trigger from shallow areas or near rock outcrops.

Weather Forecast

Another cold night tonight followed by warming temperatures and sunny skies on Sunday.  Sunday night will also be cold but then rebounding Monday with continued sunny skies. 

Snowpack Summary

A crust extends from below treeline (TL) to sunny TL aspects. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs look thick and ripe on all lee alpine and TL slopes. Cornices are large and looming.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose wet and wet slabs occurred on west aspects below treeline late yesterday afternoon from warm temperatures and solar radiation. Sizes ranged from 0.5 to 2.5.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Sunday

Regions covered