Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Time to start and end early to avoid the afternoon warming increasing the overall hazard. Be aware of steep solar aspect gully features particularly in the late afternoon which could produce a size 2 avalanche.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect a good freeze Wed and Thurs nights with warm sun during the day. Winds will remain light. Friday night will have increasing moderate winds and a good freeze. Saturday will have light precipitation and cooler temperatures overall.

Snowpack Summary

Suncrust is found on solar aspects. 5-10 cm of snow can be located sporadically and largely aspect dependent over a supportive temperature crust above 2200m. Weak basal facets are bridged by a strong mid-pack in most areas treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose snow avalanches up to size 2 originating near ridgetop on very steep solar aspects were observed yesterday. Debris from recent cornice falls were also noted on steep unskiable terrain which DID NOT propagate any avalanches on the slopes below.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Cornices

Cornice failures 24hours or older were observed on steep unskiable terrain on Northerly aspects. Avoid this overhead hazard while traveling since the warmer temperatures may increase the number of cornice failures.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Solar radiation on steep solar aspects is increasing the hazard during the course of the day. A surface condition at this point but can build enough mass to bury a person or increase the consequences with terrain traps. Travel early on solar aspects.

Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2015 4:00PM