Date issued

Apr 28, 2018 - 4:00 PM

Valid until

until further notice

Prepared by

jasper snow safety

Spring Season Conditions

Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet

What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?

With most of the snowpack below 1,900m being isothermal expect these avalanches to start early on solar slopes at all elevations. Incoming precipitation may be rain adding to this problem.

Travel and Terrain Advice
  • If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs

What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?

With warm temperatures and solar radiation these events are occurring. Cornices falling are acting as triggers. These events can run far into the valley below

Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Avalanche Problem 3: Cornices

What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?

All cornices should be considered unstable. Give them a wide berth and don't end up below them.

Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
  • Avoid steep slopes below cornices.

Avalanche Summary

The spring avalanche cycle is in full swing with temperatures reaching 17 degrees. Large destructive avalanche are running from all elevations and going far into the valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Moist/wet snow extends to treeline on all but the most Northerly slopes. Persistent slabs are on most aspects at treeline and above. They have been reactive to triggers like cornice falling and larger loose wet avalanches. Below 2200m the snowpack is isothermal as there has been no overnight freeze except for Northerly aspects.

Weather Forecast

Saturday night will be wet flurries, 6cm of snow, -3 degrees, light North wind, and 1800m freezing level. There may be a weak temperature inversion Saturday night and Sunday. Sunday will be flurries, 8cm of snow, high of -3, light E winds, and 1900m freezing level. Monday will be sun and cloud, no precipitation, and 2300m freezing level.

Danger Ratings Explained

1 - Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

2 - Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

3 - Considerable

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

4 - High

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

5 - Extreme

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

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