Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 17 – 18, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

ROAD CLOSURE: The Icefields Parkway (93N) is likely to be closed due to increased avalanche hazard on Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning from Parker Ridge to Saskatchewan Crossing. For updates check:  https://511.alberta.ca

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Windslabs are likely forming treeline and above with strong SW winds and new snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Snowpack tests and whumphing would suggest that a weak layer of facets persists down 20-50cm in some areas. This layer will likely become reactive with loading from forecasted snow on Friday. Use caution specifically in shallow alpine features.

Weather Forecast

For the Parker Ridge Area:

Thursday:

Periods of snow: 15cm (rain below treeline)

Treeline temperature: High 0 C.

Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.

Freezing level: 2300 metres.

Snowpack Summary

Above treeline 15-20cm of settling snow sits on a variety of crusts. Above 2200m on northerly slopes, a more winter like snowpack can be found, with windslab, a peristent weak layer down 20-50cm and a facetted mid and lower snowpack which is weak in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

There was natural windslab activity observed in the past couple of days. The mid march PWL continues to produce whumphing in shallower snowpack areas and on moraine features, indicating unstable snow below.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Regions covered