Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2019 4:01PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Marcus Waring, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Temperatures are finally moderating allowing winds to return to the typical, strong, SW flow. Be on the lookout for building Windslabs in all exposed terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Trace precipitation with strong SW winds gusting to 80 km/h.Friday: Mainly Sunny. Alpine high -5.Strong West winds gusting to 60km/h. Saturday: Sunny. Alpine high - 4. Moderate West Winds.Sunday : Sunny. Alpine high -1. Moderate West Winds.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds with extreme gusts contributing to Windslab development on Thursday. These new Windslabs sit over 10-15 cm of faceted powder in the alpine and at treeline. Surface snow below treeline is mostly unaffected by wind. The midpack is generally strong in thick snowpack locations, and is bridging weak basal facets.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have shifted from NE to SW on Thursday. Watch for Windslabs on all aspects in exposed terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading will create slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal weaknesses are well bridged in deeper snowpack areas, but there remains the possibility to be surprised in thin snowpack areas.

Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 10th, 2019 5:00PM