Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 18 – 19, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Daytime warming will increase the probability of cornice failures and avalanches. Ski quality is good with dust on crust. Low elevation crust remaining supportive through the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Isolated pockets of windslab can be found on lee aspects in exposed terrain around ridgecrests. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche increases if it is poorly bonded to temperature crust especially when the day heats up or the sun comes out.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cornices are large and a hazard by their sheer mass. They have the potential to trigger deeper layers based on the size of the cornice failure.   

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The frequency of moist releases increases with daytime warming and sun particularly on steep solar aspects.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night may see less of an overnight freeze than previous. Expect light snow next few days and a warm Friday followed by a cooler Saturday. Sunday will be mixed clouds. Monday will be sunny and spring conditions.

Snowpack Summary

Isolated windslabs exist on lee aspects of high elevation ridgecrests with a dusting of snow overtop. Buried temperature crusts below 2100m and sun crusts on steep solar aspects at various elevations. Cornices are big. Overall the snowpack is solid underfoot. Below 1800m the snow is getting thinner and melting fast especially South aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today. Visibility was excellent. Generally the area is in a stable trend but investigate each slope individually for isolated windslabs before committing.

Confidence

Regions covered