Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2018 4:00PM

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

timothy johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Watch for the hazard to rise rapidly with the forecast snow on Saturday

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will be steady around -5C on Friday and into Saturday with light to moderate SW winds. Temps look to drop Saturday night into the low teens with up to 30cm of snow and NE winds

Snowpack Summary

There is a weak facet layer deep in the snowpack that has been producing large avalanches in and around Waterton. Wind slabs can be found on lees slopes with the new snow and winds on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

There were several large to very large avalanches in and around Waterton last weekend clearing mature timber and running to ground. Natural activity has tapered on this layer through the week but might wake up again with the rapid loading on Saturday night.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Watch for this layer to wake up if we get rapid loading from new snow on Saturday night. Expect avalanches to run full path into the valley bottom.

Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 4

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2018 4:00PM