Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2019 4:10PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.

adam greenberg, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2019 4:00PM