Avalanche Forecast
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