Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 22 – 25, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

The snowpack is mainly in the grips of daily spring temperature swings however a basal weaknesses remains preserved under a winter snowpack on high north faces.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Recent snow may begin to slide on solar aspects as the sun makes an appearance and temperatures rise.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Deep layers are still responsive to large triggers (think cornices or rain) on high north faces. Though triggering this layer is unlikely, it's not impossible as evidenced by a large avalanche on Mt. Blackiston last week.

Snowpack Summary

In most areas we are seeing a typical spring snowpack with crusts breaking down in the heat of the day. The exception is high North facing terrain where temperatures have stayed cold and a winter snowpack remains, with facets continuing to linger at the base. The midpack is generally well settled.

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud with moderate SW winds Tuesday - Thursday. Freezing level 2300m

A significant amount of precipitation is expected to arrive on friday and continue through the weekend. Freezing levels are uncertain.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches observed.

Confidence

Regions covered