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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 7th, 2022–Mar 10th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Waterton Lakes.

Changing winds over the last few days have distributed snow in irregular areas.

Use careful assessment when choosing your line.

Overhead features above ice climbs are loaded and may produce natural avalanches.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: A snowfall warning is in effect for SW Alberta. 20-30cm are forecast by tomorrow for Waterton Park.

Tues: Light snow all day with winds tapering to light NE. Alpine temps -14.

Wed: Snow tapering off by mid day then clearing. Ridge top winds moderate NE. Alpine temps -15.

Thur: Partially cloudy, winds switching to M-NW. Temps rising to -8.

Snowpack Summary

30 cm of storm snow has been redistributed into windslab by mod-strong SW winds. This overlies March 3 rain crust. An additional 50 cm of settling snow over the Feb 15 crust that exists up to 2000m. Lower snowpack is well settled 1F to P. HS 250-300 cm near the continental divide.

At the time of writing it is snowing heavily with 20-30cm forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Natural dry loose avalanches and ski cuts up to size 1.5 on Sunday's field trip. Check out the Forum Ridge Avalanche to see impressive size 3 that occurred during last weeks rain event. Keep those Mountain Information Network observations coming, and include the MIN in your pre-trip conditions research.

Confidence

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

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.