Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Winter is back again with cool temps and fresh snow. The new snow is falling on a crust and surface problems will be the main concern.
Some steep north slopes stayed dry through the warm up and triggering the February persistent layer may still be possible. The consequence of this layer will still be very high so use caution in these areas
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
The natural wet loose cycle we observed during the big warm-up this week has ended. No new naturals observed in the last two days.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20cm of new snow overlies a new March 21st crust. Dry snow may have still existed on steep high north slopes. The Feb 3rd crust/facet persistent weak layer is buried 60-100 cm deep. Below this, the snowpack consists of a mixture of settled snow and crust/facet layers to ground. Snowpack depths between 80 - 250 cm.
Weather Summary
Fri
Overcast with light snow throughout the day. Alpine high of -10 with light winds
Sat
Overcast and snowing up to 10cm expected. Winds light to moderate SW and an alpine high of -15
Sun
Snow continues with up to 10cm forecast. Temps remain cool at -15 in the alpine. Winds light to moderate NE.
For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow may fail as a soft storm slab or as dry loose.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
This layer may still be reactive on north slopes in the alpine or at treeline where a new crust does not exist. If you trigger this layer the consequence will still be very high.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5