Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 18th, 2015–Apr 19th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Jasper.

Danger will start low in the morning and steadily increase with daytime warming. Temperatures are expected to spike significantly on Tuesday.

Weather Forecast

Sunday into next week will be sunny and warm. Expect freezing levels to rise significantly next few days with less recovery every night.

Snowpack Summary

Strong Southwesterly winds have created pockets of windslab and scoured any exposed areas at upper elevations. Weak basal facets are bridged by a strong mid-pack in most areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

Natural cornice failures continue and many more are waiting their turn to fall. Intense solar radiation likely to initiate afternoon wet loose avalanche conditions.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

As temperatures warm up so does the potential for loose wet avalanches. It may be enough to trigger deeper basal layers increasing the consequences.

Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Natural cornice failures are being observed daily. Pay attention to what is above you and avoid cornice exposed slopes.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have formed on lee slopes and cross loaded features at alpine and exposed tree line elevations.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2