Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 10 – 13, 2016Parks Canada

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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed

Thu

Alpine

2 · Moderate

Treeline

2 · Moderate

Below

1 · Low

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Highlights

While warm temperatures will settle and strengthen the snowpack over time, caution is still advised during the heat of the day. Be especially cautious if you notice a significant increase in ski penetration through out the day. JH

Avalanche problems

Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely - Possible
Size
1–2
Extreme Westerly winds over the weekend have and built Wind Slabs in unusual areas: these may be lower than usual in start zones, and in typically wind-sheltered terrain.
Loose Wet
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely - Possible
Size
1–2
This problem has not presented itself yet, but may if temperatures remain above freezing overnight.
Deep Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely - Possible
Size
2–3
Facets sit atop at crust buried up to a meter deep. This layer generally requires large triggers, but may increase in sensitivity during periods of warm temperatures.

Weather Forecast

Continued warm temperatures through the forecast period, with light to moderate south west wind and scattered clouds. The warm air that was trapped over cooler air on Monday and Tuesday is beginning to mix, expect to see an increasingly normal temperature profile through the week.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing warm temperatures are causing rapid settlement of the upper snowpack. A surface crust formed Monday night at treeline and below, but had broken down again by midday Tuesday. Windslabs from the extreme W winds last weekend are now difficult to trigger. Down 50 cm is a weak layer in isolated areas, and 1m deep is a faceting rain crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity has been observed or reported.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Regions covered

Waterton Lakes