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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 15th, 2018–Feb 18th, 2018
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

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

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

Avalanche 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