Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 18th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.
Lynnea Baker,
After a glorious week of calm in Waterton the wind is back with a vengeance Tuesday night. Watch for wind slabs in alpine lees where snow is available for transport.
We are back to spring weather. Watch for signs of instability as temp rise each day.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tonight: Wet flurries, amounting 5 cm. Extreme SW winds.
Tues: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. ALP high -3. Moderate gusting extreme W winds. FL 1600m.
Wed: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. ALP high -4. Light gusting strong W winds. FL 1800m.
Thur: Cloudy with isolated wet flurries. ALP high of 0. Light SW winds. FL 2100m
Snowpack Summary
25-30 cm snow overlies april rain crust on all elevations, all aspects. Snow surface became wet to 2000m on Monday. Well consolidated mid and lower snowpack. HS 250-300 cm near the continental divide.
Avalanche Summary
Few wet loose avalanches to size 1.5 with high freezing levels Monday. No new avalanches reported on Saturday. Please report any observations to the Mountain Information Network we really appreciate the information as neighboring operations are shutting down for the season.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
Return of the wind bring return of the wind slab. There is 25 -30cm of snow available for transport in the alpine. Use caution in lees especially at ridge top and in the alpine.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Watch for pin wheeling and snow becoming moist with day time heating. Exercise caution in steep slopes, confined areas and terrain traps where small avalanches are high consequence.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices will weaken with day time heating. Pay attention to over head hazard and minimize time below cornices.
- Stay well back from cornices.
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 21st, 2022 4:00PM
