Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2017 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

Deryl Kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Human triggered avalanches remain possible. Evaluate your lines carefully!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Melt-freeze cycle in the valley bottoms. Light winds and cool temps keeping the surface snow dry above tree-line. Broken skies with strong solar influence on sunny aspects; bring your sunscreen!

Snowpack Summary

Good skiing between 2000-2400m in sheltered areas. Icefields has10cm of settled storm snow. This rests on a solid mid-pack which bridges the weak base above 2000m. The base is a combination of weak facets and depth hoar mixed around a Nov rain crust. Consistent melt-freeze cycle below tree line. Surface crusts are breaking down by mid morning.Â

Avalanche Summary

No new activity observed on road patrols in the Maligne and Icefields.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem will persist. Activity has subsided but, need to keep this on your radar. It can be triggered by large loads such as cornice failures or human triggered from shallow spots or steep unsupported slopes.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Cornices

Cornice failure is hard to predict. Some very large cornices are out there so wise to give them a wide berth.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2017 4:00PM