Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 8 – 11, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Wind slabs remain the main avalanche concern.  If temperatures rise we may start to see solar triggered avalanches and cornice failures over the next few days.  Ice climbers should pay extra attention to the warming effect on snow and ice conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    New wind slabs have formed in the last 48hrs. They seem to be bonding well but investigate them carefully before committing to steep terrain where the wind slabs are present, especially in areas with several layers of wind slabs from recent storms.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    With forecast daytime warming and the possibility of strong solar effect with clear skies we may start to see more cornice failures which could trigger recent storm slabs and wind slabs.  Avoid traveling in terrain exposed to cornice failures.

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud, mild temperatures and light to moderate winds shifting from the W to the N over the next few days is expected as a strong ridge of high pressure builds into B.C.  Freezing levels will rise to near 1500m during the day and expect a strong solar effect if the skies are clear.  Some flurries may be possible on Saturday evening.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow with light winds in the last 48hrs. Moist surface snow on steep South aspects today. The new snow sits over the previous sun crust and wind slabs and appears to be bonding well in most locations.  Some new wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and in the alpine. Below is a well settled snowpack with no significant weaknesses.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of avalanches up to size 2 have been observed out of extreme terrain in the last 48hrs.  One appears to have been cornice triggered and likely occurred due to daytime warming today.  If the clear weather and mild temperatures continue we will likely see more avalanche activity or cornice failures due to solar heating in the next few days.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered