Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.

a.l. horton, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Expecting the avalanche hazard to rise rapidly on Friday on all elevations and aspects as freezing level climbs to 3500 m and plenty of sun. Avalanche control planned for Icefields Parkway starting at 16:30 hrs on Friday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing level dipping to 1500 m tonight then soaring to 3500 m by noon Friday with clear skies.Â Good crust recovery forecasted Friday nightÂ with moderating temperatures through the weekend could make for good corn skiing.

Snowpack Summary

A melt freeze crust will form tonight but will deteriorate rapidly on all aspects and elevations on Friday afternoon as temperatures spike and with intense solar radiation.Â A persistent slab, 30 to 70cms thick, will be of greatest concern on Northerly aspects. Pockets of thin slab on lee aspects.Â

Avalanche Summary

Large (sz 3) slab avalanches on North alpine aspects starting to be seen.Â Old slab and loose wet avalanche activity to size 2.5, mostly on solar aspects observed by field teams along the Icefields Parkway on Wednesday.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The forecasted hot sunny weather on Friday will be a trigger for this problem on all aspects and elevations.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

The freezing level is rising to 3500 m tomorrow. We are expecting to see loose wet avalanches on most slopes.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely - Certain

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large hanging cornices will weaken with rising temperatures. Use caution traveling below or near them.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2016 4:00PM