Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2019 4:00PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

A winter snowpack still exists at upper elevations. Be diligent in your hazard management as you transition into the alpine.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Unsettled air from a series of low pressure systems hitting the south and then north coast will give several waves of snow flurries, with up to 15cm of accumulation by the end of the week. Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Flurries in the Icefields area (up to 5cm). Treeline temps: Low -3 C. High 1 C. Ridge wind light NW. Freezing level: 2300m.

Snowpack Summary

Recent small snowfalls are settling quickly, over a melt-freeze crust that extends in to the alpine on all apsects. Small windslabs can be found on lee slopes. A winter snowpack remains on alpine N aspects, with facets under an 20-50cm slab in isolated areas in the Icefields area and further South, and basal depth hoar in shallow snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity has been observed or reported.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of windslab in immediate lees will be buried by incoming new snow, making them more difficult to manage.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets buried 30-50cm down is persisting in some areas. This is more prevalent at the Columbia Icefields & South.

Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong inicators of unstable snowpack.Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2019 4:00PM