Avalanche forecast

Jasper

Apr 7 – 8, 2021
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Low elevations (below 1800m) have transitioned to spring conditions, plan to travel early.

The Icefields region remains wintery and good travel and riding can be found, mostly in sheltered areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Significant snow is available for transport at all elevations, additional inputs forecasted. Expect wind slabs to be reactive to human triggering.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    You need to be very cautious near or under these giant features. If triggered, it will step down to deeper layers.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Freezing levels are expected at about 1700 meters. Places like Parkers ridge (over 2000m) will most likely see dry snow. Further down the highway by Weeping wall could see a mix of snow and rain.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night: Flurries. HN: 6 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C. Ridge wind W: 15 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.

Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperature: High -9 °C. Ridge wind W: 15-30 km/h. 

Friday: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. HN: 4 cm. Low -12 °C, High -8 °C. Ridge wind SW: 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and steady SW winds building wind slab in open ALP and TL features. Snowpack shows strength and bonding in field tests; recurring instabilities are found close to surface. We are most concerned about potential to trigger deeper, persistent slabs (Fc, DH), especially as the snowpack changes with typical spring inputs (rain, sun, wet snow)

Avalanche Summary

A road patrol south today noted no new avalanches. Mostly obscured in the Alpine.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered