Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

A strong crust from the weekends warm temps is making for fast travel and skittish skiing. Snowfall is in the forecast, ski quality and hazard levels will likely increase proportionally.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A low in the gulf of Alaska is causing a series of fronts to make their way inland Wednesday and Thursday. Snowfall accumulations could total up to 25 cm, accompanied by steady moderate W winds and freezing levels rising as high as 1650m (Cameron lake). A weak ridge Friday brings sunny breaks, overnight cooling and light N winds.

Snowpack Summary

A strong and supportive melt-freeze crust now caps the snowpack on all aspects into the alpine. Northerly aspects at upper elevations may still hold some well settled winter snow, including stubborn windslabs. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated with no notable shears and no recent activity to indicate a persistent weakness.

Avalanche Summary

No recent activity has been observed or reported. Several small loose wet avalanches occurred during the peak of the warming last weekend.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

With snowfall and wind in the forecast storm slabs may develop in the coming days. These will not likely bond well initially to the widespread crust that is currently on the surface.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2016 4:00PM