Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 11 – 12, 2017Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Rapidly changing hazard is a hallmark of spring skiing! Be aware of the potential changes that may effect your route over a whole day!

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cornice failure is hard to predict but likelihood increases with sun, warm temperatures, and wind-loading.There are some very large cornices out there. Wise to give them a wide berth.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Isothermal conditions are possible as crusts break down by late morning. Gauge the extent of the overnight freeze relative to how quick it will move into being reactive.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    The deep instability could be triggered by large loads such as a cornice failure or a surface avalanche. Human triggering is most likely from shallow spots or on steep unsupported slopes.

Weather Forecast

A continued scattering of flurries through the forecast area. Forecast models calling for 10 cm but, it seems to be variable in both location and accumulation. Expect warm alpine temps near -3 with freezing levels rising to 1800m.

Snowpack Summary

Icefields has 10cm of soft snow on a solid mid-pack bridging the weak base above 2000m. The base is a combination of weak facets and depth hoar mixed around a Nov rain crust. A consistent melt-freeze cycle is occurring below tree line. Surface crusts are breaking down by mid morning.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported

Confidence

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

Regions covered