Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Weather Forecast
Warm, wet pacific air is battling with cold arctic air over the prairies. One low is pushing through Mon and a second will move through Thurs. Warm temperatures with freezing levels near 15-1700m. Moderate to Strong Southwest winds should be expected through Thursday. Precip will be steady Tuesday with significant amounts expected Wed and Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
West winds began to redistribute the recent low density storm snow today. This snow buried a thin crust on solar aspects and isolated windslabs found at treeline and above. Between 70 and 150cm now buries the weak February Facet Layer. Large avalanches will result if this layer is triggered given the demonstrated ability of this slab to propagate..
Avalanche Summary
One significant persistent slab released just before the cold snap. A few skier triggered windslabs have been seen in the neighboring areas. As we emerge from the cold temperatures there is concern for the persistent slabs to become touchy again. Rapid loading from the forecast wind and snow may result in significant avalanche activity.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2