Heavy rainfall (60 mm in past 72 hours) and above average seasonal amounts
of snow lingering in the alpine have combined to produce several large
avalanches (up to sz 3.5) in the Columbia Icefields Area in the past few
days. Some of these slides continued well below the snowline into the lower
reaches of the slide paths. The freezing level ranges from 1600m to 2200m,
with only a light freeze expected at the lower end.
Impressive rockfall occurred in Wednesday's deluge, with numerous
refrigerator size blocks ending up on the Icefields Parkway between Tangle
Hill and Mount Coleman. This phenomena is most likely very widespread and
presents a higher than normal hazard.
River levels are well above seasonal averages both around town and at
higher elevations. The Miette River is three times it’s usual maximum
discharge! Needless to say, river crossings carry an elevated risk with
higher flow rates, deeper water, and increased amount of debris.
With an additional 30-50 mm forecasted for this weekend, it may be a good
time to work on indoor projects.
For more information on conditions in Jasper National Park, contact the
Visitor Safety department at 780-852-6155.
Max Darrah
Visitor Safety | Sécurité Publique
ACMG Alpine Guide / ASG
Jasper National Park of Canada | Parc national du Canada Jasper
Parks Canada | Parcs Canada
P.O. Box 10, Jasper AB T0E 1E0 | C.P. 10, Jasper (Alberta) T0E 1E0
Max.Darrah@xxxxxxxx
Telephone | Téléphone 780-852-6289
Facsimile | Télécopieur 780-852-4775
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
www.pc.gc.ca/jasper
_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
See http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.
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