Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 21 – 24, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

The widespread Natural activity that we have seen this week should start to diminish as the last of the storms pass. Human triggering will continue to be likely and conservative travel is advised. The CAC has posted  SPECIAL PUBLIC AVALANCHE WARNING.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    These recently formed slabs have proven to be very easy to trigger failing naturally and with light loads. Limit your exposure to significant slopes. Do not get taken by surprise by the long propagations or remote triggering that has been seen.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–4
    Do not forget that there is weak snow under the entire snowpack. In shallow areas this faceted snow has continued to weaken and the slab above it that is holding the snowpack together has become stressed by recent loading to the point of failure.

Weather Forecast

The system over Waterton will pass overnight  leaving another 10cm with moderate West winds. Small amounts of snow are expected Friday as the winds start to shift NW and temperatures begin to drop. Light North winds for Saturday with some flurries as the temperatures continue to drop. Expect -20 C for Monday with very light winds and blue skys.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 100 cm now buries a significant weak layer found on all aspects and at all elevations. Gusty West winds and mild temperatures have contributed to widespread slab formation especially in open areas. More loading and wind will increase the serious nature of these persistent slabs. Weak snow at the base of the snowpack also remains a concern.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread natural activity occurred though the week with many large events flattening trees. Most significant paths ran. One sz 3.5 avalanche was confirmed to have stepped down to the November facets and this is suspected to have occurred in some of the many other sz 3 events which ran full path. Impressive propagations and remote triggering seen.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Regions covered