Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 25 – 28, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Excellent skiing on E and W aspects in the Forum/Wall Lakes areas today! Watch for isolated wind slabs in steep alpine terrain and keep an eye on daytime temperatures. Rising  temperatures will increase the hazard from cornices and loose wet slides.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs may be present in isolated locations at tree line and above.  In most places these wind slabs are bonding well to the surfaces below but assess this bond carefully before entering steep or committing terrain.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    With mild temperatures forecast we may see cornice failures over the next several days.  These are large triggers and have the potential to create larger avalanches.  Minimize your exposure to slopes with cornice hazard, especially when it is warm.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    As the daytime temperatures rise we may see loose wet avalanches on steep solar aspects especially if dark objects like rocks and trees are present on the slopes.  Travel early on steep solar aspects and pay close attention to daytime temperatures.

Weather Forecast

A stable weather pattern with clear skies and light W winds will persist for the next several days.  Daytime temperatures will slowly rise each day with freezing levels forecast to reach 2200m on Thursday.  Overnight temperatures remain cool.  No precipitation is expected.

Snowpack Summary

Sun crust forming on SE to SW aspects. E and W aspects still providing excellent skiing today!  Light wind effect in open areas at tree line and above and some small wind slabs present near ridge crests. 15 to 40cm of recent storm snow bonding well to the crust below.

Avalanche Summary

Very little avalanche activity over the last several days.  Some sluffing in very steep terrain.  Cornice failures remain a concern especially with mild daytime temperatures.

Confidence

Regions covered