Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 3rd, 2019 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada jasper snow safety, Parks Canada

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Good, winter like riding can be found in sheltered locations

Summary

Weather Forecast

Saturday is flurries, maybe 8cm of snow, High 0 C, NW light winds, and 2300m freezing level. Sunday will be clouds and flurries, 4cm of snow, alpine temperatures Low -5 and High 0 C, light NW winds, and 2300m freezing level. Monday will be sun with cloud, no snow, alpine temperature  Low -7 and High 2 C, light winds, and 2400m freezing level.

Snowpack Summary

10cm-20cm low density dry snow (elevation dependant) covers widespread wind effect from previous N winds, overlying crusts and facets in upper snowpack. The crusts are bridging on solar aspects. Occasional whumpfing at upper TL and in the ALP. Snowpack structure is generally faceted on polar aspects and weak in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

No patrol occurred Thursday or Friday and nothing new reported. A team in the Columbia Icefields on Wednesday did not observe any new avalanches. To the South of our region (Bow Summit), 2 large (size 2 - 2.5) persistent slabs were remotely triggered on alpine SW aspects Tuesday.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Monday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Weak mid-pack facets found in sheltered upper treeline and alpine features, loaded by recent new snow and moderate SW winds may overload this interface. Not likely to trigger naturally but sensitive to human triggering.

  • Watch for signs of instability such as recent avalanche activity, and whumpfing/cracking underfoot.
  • Good group management is essential to manage current conditions safely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Steep terrain with recent low density snow has the potential to release and entrain volume particularly when sun, increased snow load, or rain at lower elevations. Wet loose possible on solar aspects.

  • Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: May 4th, 2019 4:00PM