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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 6th, 2015–Apr 9th, 2015
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

The new snow that fell with another blast of winter over Easter will quickly be affected by periods of heating expected on Tuesday and more so on Thursday. Expect an increase in avalanche activity as the sun comes out on these days.

Weather Forecast

Winds should return to westerly Tuesday limited clear patches, freezing levels should reach 2000m. Wednesday winds should diminish allowing for convective flurries to produce a limited amount of snow with a freezing level near1800m. Clearing and light winds Thursday will allow for significant heating with freezing levels expected to reach 2200m.

Snowpack Summary

Early last week, a solid crust could be found everywhere but above 2400m on North Aspects. At the end of last week West winds built windslabs with 5 to 10 cm of new snow TL and above over this crust. Since Saturday NE winds have brought an additional 20 cm of snow with a bit more yet to come Monday night. Cornices have seen some fragile new growth.

Avalanche Summary

Visibility has been poor over the last few days however neighboring areas are reporting that the new snow is failing as loose dry avalanches to size one. This activity can be expected to continue heating causes a transition to loose wet activity instead.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Slabs up to 50cm deep have formed over the crusts with the recent snow. These soft slabs have formed with winds from unusual directions and are likely to be found along ridge crests and in cross loaded features within a slope.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

The new snow is likely to fail easily in very steep terrain naturally however travelers will experience sluffing in steep terrain as they travel through. Manage your group carefully to prevent being caught by these sluffs especially above cliffs.
Be very cautious with gully features.On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

As the sun comes out on Tuesday expect moist snow to develop and fail naturally first on solar slopes and then on lower elevation shaded slopes. This should be more serious on Thursday with clear skies and a higher freezing level expected.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2