Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Mar 29 – 30, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Spring Conditions.  Expect the avalanche danger level to rise at all elevations by early afternoon as conditions warm.  Travel early!  Cornice fall is becoming a greater concern with the warm weather.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Large triggers such as cornice fall can triggered this weakness. Large avalanches on steep slopes are possible as warm temperatures are expected in the alpine and solar radiation will be intense.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Wet slides are beginning on steep rocky slopes by early afternoon as daytime heating and solar radiation breaks down the overnight melt/freeze crust.

Weather Forecast

The freezing level is expected to rise to above 2500m on Saturday.  High cloud and light to moderate west winds are forecasted as well.  Slightly cooler temperatures are possible on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

A 5 to 10 cm melt freeze crust on solar aspects below treeline appears to be maintaining its strength until mid afternoon. Isothermal conditions exist on shallow south facing slopes up to treeline. North facing treeline and the alpine snowpack are relatively stable with a well settled mid-pack bridging basal facets.

Avalanche Summary

The wet loose avalanche cycle continues on steep solar aspects from treeline to valley bottom beginning by mid-afternoon.  Slides ranged from 0.5 to large 2 in size.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered