Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 22, 2017Parks Canada

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Avalanche danger

Sun

Mon

Alpine

2 · Moderate

Treeline

3 · Considerable

Below

3 · Considerable

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Highlights

The Maligne Road was closed Friday afternoon due to loose wet avalanche hazard. We are on the verge of spring conditions. Travel early and be off slopes by mid-day.

Avalanche problems

Cornices
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2–3
Cornice failures are still being noted on West aspects 2500-2800m. Give them a wide berth as their failure is hard to predict but increases with sun, warmth, wind-loading, or new snow.
Loose Wet
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Likely
Size
1–2
A melt freeze crust will loose strength by Saturday afternoon as freezing level rises into tree-line.
Deep Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2–4
The deep instability could be triggered by a cornice failure. It is well bridged by a solid mid-pack; however, consider this problem becoming more active particularly on South aspects as the day warms up or the sun comes out.

Weather Forecast

Clear and cold overnight on Friday should develop a melt freeze crust into Saturday morning. Freezing level above 2000 m both Saturday and Sunday afternoon. 10 cm snow possible on Sunday. A cloudy cooler weekend ahead.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm snow overnight has rapidly settled. The upper snowpack is moist or wet depending on aspect and elevation. The mid-pack is solid and bridging the weak base. The bottom 30cm of the snowpack consists of weak facets and depth hoar mixed around the Nov rain crust. Below 1500m there is no snow.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose wet avalanches to size 2 tree-line and below on Friday. Maligne Road closed Friday afternoon due to increasing loose wet avalanche hazard.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered

Jasper