Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Likely variable ski conditions over the next few days with sun and wind effect on the snowpack. Good skiing on sheltered northerly aspects. There is some uncertainty around the triggerability of the buried January weak layer, don't discount this in your decision making.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday and Monday we had a slab avalanche cycle with natural and skier triggered avalanches up to size 2. With the sunny skies we have been seeing solar triggered loose avalanches up to size 1.
Snowpack Summary
We have had up to 40 cm of new snow since March 13th. Strong ridgetop winds have built wind slabs in lee features in the alpine and treeline. There is a robust melt freeze crust buried 40 - 70 cm deep. This crust exists everywhere except for northerly aspects above 1900 m. The January drought layer lies 60 –130 cm deep, with snow depths at treeline averaging 130–200 cm.
Weather Summary
Clear skies and high pressure dominate the forecast period. See the table below for a more detailed forecast.
Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong ridgetop winds have redistributed the recent storm snow into wind slabs in features lee to the southwest.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
It's March now and the sun can have a strong effect on the snow even if just out for short periods.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Persistent Slabs
This problem remains a concern on high northerly aspects where the bridging crusts are thin or non-existent.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3