Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 12 – 13, 2022
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Archived · expired 4 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Watch out for reverse loading from northerly winds. A few fresh cornice falls were also observed on Tuesday so pay attention to your overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Strong north winds are more prominent in the north of the park around the townsite of Jasper. Regardless, wind slabs are likely building around Parker Ridge as well.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3.5

    Fresh cornice falls were observed on Tuesday in the Churchill Range. This could be the result of strong solar input, fresh winds and new snow and the cold temperatures making them brittle.

Weather Forecast

Parker Ridge Alpine Forecast

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: High -12 C.

Ridge wind east: 10-20 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.

Precipitation: Trace.

Alpine temperature: Low -18 C, High -11 C.

Ridge wind east: 10-20 km/h.

Freezing level at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Strong north winds in the north of the Park are building wind slabs in wind prone areas. The winds are less strong farther south but still likely building wind slabs in exposed areas. On solar aspects a 3cm sun crust exist up to 2400m under 10-15cm of snow. Likewise a 5cm melt-freeze crust exists up to 2200m on all aspects down 10cm.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday two natural cornice falls were observed on the Churchill range. These cornices did not trigger slabs below. Also a small natural wind slab was observed around the Parker Ridge Area.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Regions covered