Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2016 4:00PM

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

Ruari Macfarlane, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Another warm storm arrives early Sunday. Expect good skiing at upper elevations, with heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features: Keep an eye peeled for Storm Slabs, and don't linger below cornices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Two fast moving fronts - warm followed by cold- should bring us 10cm or more snow at upper elevations on Sunday, with strong West winds. Below Treeline, rain should turn to wet snow showers by late Sunday as freezing levels drop. Monday-Tuesday, a ridge brings a mix of sun and cloud, moderate Westerly winds, and freezing levels at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

A foot of new snow that fell during the past week has settled nicely with warm temperatures, and is well bonded to the old snow. A new surface crust exists on all slopes facing the sun. In the alpine, surfaces are hard and windblown; while on more sheltered slopes near treeline, some settled Wind Slabs exist. Snow on Sunday will create new slabs.

Avalanche Summary

Extensive observations on Friday revealed only one small avalanche from extreme terrain, on Forum Peak. Large Glide cracks still exist on the South aspects of Mt Carthew.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Expect new snowfall, warm temperatures and wind to build new storm slabs on Sunday / Sunday night. These may be large on isolated lee slopes. They will become less sensitive to triggering later in the forecast period.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow will form touchy slabs.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2016 4:00PM