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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 17th, 2021–Mar 20th, 2021
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

The avalanche hazard for the park is not currently rated. The next public bulletin will be issued the evening of March 17.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

A crust exists on the surface to ridgetop on solar aspects and at low elevations breaking down during the day. This tops 30-50cm dense snow above of the Feb 14 facet layer which is above hard surfaces in most places. The remainder of the midpack is made up of dense facets and decomposing crusts, with early season ice crusts forming the base.

Avalanche Summary

No recent field observations in the park

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

The sun is packing a punch these days, and surface snow will quickly destabilize on steep solar aspects when it comes out.

  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices have grown quite large. It's hard to predict when one might fall, but rising temperatures and strong sunshine will make it much more likely.

  • Avoid travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

This problem is most prevalent at and below treeline where it exists as a prominent facet layer down 30-70. Dig down to assess the presence and reactivity of the layer.

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
  • Be aware of the potential for wide propagations which could result in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5