Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 19 – 22, 2013Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
Open full map

Highlights

We are at the end of our regular forecast season however AVALANCHE HAZARD WILL PERSIST. Generally, hazard will be higher with heating from rain or sun and will be lowest during cool periods. Spring storms may also bring additional snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    There still remains some dry snow available for transport at upper elevations on some low angled slopes. Southwest winds have been redistributing this forming isolated pockets of slab. Additional snowfall may also contribute to the formation of these

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    With warm temperatures, solar heating, or rain to upper elevations, cornice failures will occur. These are large triggers and have the potential to create larger avalanches. Minimize your exposure during rapid warming or loading.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Depending upon the inputs of heat from rain or sun this activity can be expected everywhere. Travelers must carefully monitor surface snow and be clear of slopes before crusts break down. Use extra caution if there is moist snow over buried crusts.

Confidence

Weather Forecast

NOT PROVIDED FOR THE EXTENDED PERIOD. Visitors may call Waterton Lakes National Park Reception on weekdays at 403 859 2224 for more detailed information. Generally: watch freezing levels closely to determine where and when heating and weakening of the snowpack is likely by the sun and rain. If more snow arrives watch the bond to the surface crusts.

Snowpack Summary

The storm that ended on Tuesday brought 30 to 70cm of low density snow over the previous April 7 and 11 crust layers. The sun came out Wed and rapid heating has formed surface crusts on most slopes except for high steep North. Since Wednesday ridge top winds from the South  have built windslabs treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

A few slabs out of open terrain near treeline were seen in the last two days on East and North aspects. A great deal of loose dry activity occurred during and immediately following the last storm but this activity has settled down with the heating. Loose wet activity picked up with the heating and this will likely remain the dominant concern.

Regions covered