Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Timothy Johnson,

Email

Watch out for reverse loading from northerly winds. A few fresh cornice falls were also observed on Tuesday so pay attention to your overhead hazard.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Parker Ridge Alpine Forecast

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: High -12 C.

Ridge wind east: 10-20 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -18 C, High -11 C.

Ridge wind east: 10-20 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Strong north winds in the north of the Park are building wind slabs in wind prone areas. The winds are less strong farther south but still likely building wind slabs in exposed areas. On solar aspects a 3cm sun crust exist up to 2400m under 10-15cm of snow. Likewise a 5cm melt-freeze crust exists up to 2200m on all aspects down 10cm.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday two natural cornice falls were observed on the Churchill range. These cornices did not trigger slabs below. Also a small natural wind slab was observed around the Parker Ridge Area.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong north winds are more prominent in the north of the park around the townsite of Jasper. Regardless, wind slabs are likely building around Parker Ridge as well.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by N-NE winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Fresh cornice falls were observed on Tuesday in the Churchill Range. This could be the result of strong solar input, fresh winds and new snow and the cold temperatures making them brittle.

  • Minimize exposure to corniced features.
  • Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3.5

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2022 4:00PM