Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 24 – 25, 2014Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Wet loose avalanches can be expected at lower elevations if rain arrives in the valley bottom.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    With increased snowfall forecasted, this slab avalanche condition will likely build. Critical loading volumes may be reached in the alpine while at its lower elevation range, rain may act as a trigger.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    On the 24th the new snow, found only at higher elevations on steep rocks, was being melted by brief moments of solar radiation. This condition will rapidly reestablish from the valley bottom to treeline with warm temperatures and rain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This condition seems most active on, but not exclusive to, Easterly facing slopes. Shallow rocky spots in the snowpack are likely trigger areas.

Weather Forecast

Under the influence of a Westerly flow, the daytime freezing level will extend to 2,000 m with up to 10 cm of snow above and rain below. Overnight temperatures will drop below freezing above 1,500 m.

Snowpack Summary

A rain crust can be found from the valley bottom to 2,350m. New snow wind slabs from 2,000m extended into the alpine. Moist and wet snow can be found below the crust extending into the alpine on solar aspects. On Northerly slopes the midpack is solid but warming up. New snow clings to steep rocks above 2,350m above which are large cornices.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control on the 23rd produced size 1-2 soft slabs at 2200m sliding on a rain crust. At that time two cornice failures producing size 3's on steep unskiable terrain (Cromwell and Boundary peak). On the 24th, under mostly cloudy skies , several wet point release avalanches from steep rocky SW facing alpine terrain were observed.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Regions covered