Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 2, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Start your trips early and finish early, run for cover if the sun comes out in the afternoon.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Increase occurrence of cornice failures are being noted. It can act as a large trigger initiating deep weaknesses plus their sheer mass, whether or not it initiates an avalanche, would be like being hit by a car.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    The problem will remain active over the weekend with freezing levels reaching 2,400m. The danger rating will increase particularly on thin snowpack zones if the sun comes out or rain occurs. Loose avalanches can initiate larger avalanches below.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    This problem is becoming more active. When triggered, it will be big with serious consequences. Warm and sunny conditions will increase this danger. Steep sun facing rocks, cornice failures, and loose avalanches from above are on going.

Weather Forecast

Overnight temperatures will have the freezing level close to Treeline.  Light precipitation in the form of rain or flurries is forecast on Saturday. Temperatures will be cooler over the weekend with freezing levels on the weekend rising to 2400m. Winds are light westerly. Cooling on Monday eventing may allow a good overnight valley bottom freeze.

Snowpack Summary

Snow conditions are isothermal below 2200m  on all but the most northerly facing slopes.  South and Westerly facing terrain up to 2,400m has a well developed temperature crust at the surface if freezing occurs. Below 1,700m  this curst is present regardless of aspect. The snowpack at all elevations has a weak base and several mid-pack weaknesses

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle took place on Thursday evening with little overnight freezing this will likely occur again this evening. Numerous point releases from the alpine then triggered wet slabs that ran to ground. The largest events were on south and westerly facing and ran to size 2.5. Fewer slides are occurring on northerly terrain.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Monday

Regions covered