Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2014 4:51PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

max darrah, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cool overnight temperatures, light Southwest winds and only light scattered precipitation expected over the next 48hours. Freezing levels remain below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

45cm of storm snow continues to settle and has minimal wind affect in most places.

Avalanche Summary

Skier accidental sz 2.5 reported from the Shangri-La area today, triggered remotely from a shallow spot and stepped down to ground. Avalanche control work in the Columbia Icefield area produced mainly storm slabs in the size 2 range and isolated larger avalanches up to size 3 that failed on ground. Widespread natural cycle in the past 24 hours.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow has settled into a slab and is touchy on steep, unsupported terrain.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

There is a fair bit of uncertainty associated with weak mid-pack layers. Although isolated, there have been numerous natural avalanches in the past 2 days that have failed in the mid-pack or on the ground.

Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalancheAvoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2014 4:00PM