Solar radiation may impact snow pockets on steep rocky cliffs in the alpine.
Weather Forecast
Jasper will receive mostly sun, with light clouds which may produce only trace amounts of snowfall that might accumulate to 5 - 10cm through to the weekend. The weekend should see more sun with cooling temperatures and no real snowfall expected.
Snowpack Summary
Any small amounts of new snow that fell in the last 48hrs were hard to find in both the Parker Ridge area and the Maligne valley. Recent srong winds have obliterated most loose snow on most aspects above treeline and left a widespread persistent hard slab on the surface, covering 50-70cm of facets. Below treeline the midpack is weak.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches in Jasper or signs of instability related to the widespread persistent hard slab above treeline.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.