Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2012 4:59PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Tim Haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Strong winds forecast for Wed and Thurs will continue to build windslabs mainly on N and E aspects. The winds and small amounts of new snow will maintain elevated concern through Friday.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent storm snow is being redistributed by SW winds. Current slabs are 20 - 50cm deep and will be growing with strong winds Wed and Thurs. Watch the loaded lee slopes especially near ridgelines and crossloaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Suncrusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar now down 50 and 60cm. With recent storm snow these layers are not as sensitive to triggering but the size of avalanches have increased.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2012 4:00PM