Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 6 – 7, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 2 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche hazard rating is for the heat of the day.Weather forecasts have been underestimating the freezing levels. Thin low cloud coverage contributes to the warming of the snowpack through "Greenhouse Effect", take that into account when planning your return time and exposure to overhead hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Wind slabs can be found in isolated locations in the alpine, if triggered they could step down to the persistent slab.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3.5

    This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. Northerly aspects between 1900-2400m seem to be the problem area.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Spring sun is kicking a punch even through the clouds. Keep an eye out for changing surface snow conditions with different aspect and elevation.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet natural avalanche activity observed around the Icefields Parkway on solar aspects at tree line and below in the afternoon. One natural wind slab observed in north facing steep alpine feature off of Destiny ridge on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of soft snow can still be found in the shaded alpine. Solar aspects have multiple crusts within the upper 30 cm. A total of 20-40cm of snow now sits over the March 19th crust which is present everywhere except North aspects above 1900m. The Feb 3rd crust interface is down 30-90cm. Basal depth hoar and facets make up the bottom of the snowpack. HS ranges from 560 to 150cm.

Weather Summary

Sunday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temp: Low -7 °C, High -4 °C. Ridge wind west: 15-30 km/h. Freezing level: 1800 m. Mountain Weather Forecast is available @ Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Avoid exposure to steep sun exposed slopes.

Regions covered