Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 12th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
Timothy Johnson,
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
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 13th, 2022 4:00PM
