Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 28th, 2019–Mar 31st, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

The biggest influence on the snowpack right now is the sun. Keep an eye on the weather and avoid south facing slopes when the sun is out.

Weather Forecast

Sunshine and mild temperatures on Friday and Saturday, with freezing levels up to 2000m on Friday and 2400m on Saturday. Sunday will be cloudy with lower temperatures and a freezing level of 1600m.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of recent snow (10-20cm in the front ranges) is sitting on a thick supportive crust in most locations, and appears to be bonding well. Steep north facing alpine terrain is still holding dry snow. The midpack is well settled, and basal weaknesses persist at treeline and in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity observed.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

With the sun forecast to make more of an appearance on Friday and Saturday, the new snow sitting on the previous hard crust will become increasingly reactive.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Recent snow may be more sensitive to human triggering on solar aspects where it sits on sun crust

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

There remains a concern for deep weak layers in thin north facing alpine features that were not as affected by the recent warm spell.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3