Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

adam greenberg, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

After a brief respite, the icebox returns on Friday. Bundle up if you are heading out!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Friday: Continued upslope snowfall will bring a total of 10cm of storm snow moderate NE windsSaturday: Under the arctic influence with an alpine high of -28. Clear skies and light E windSunday: Alpine high -21, Light NE winds

Snowpack Summary

A couple centimeters of new snow has covered a variety of wind affected surfaced at all elevations including windslabs on all aspects in the Alpine and at Treeline. The midpack is generally strong in thick snowpack locations, and is bridging weak basal facets.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on a field trip to Cameron Lake on Thursday.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for new windslabs developing with NE winds, and old windslabs on all aspects.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal weaknesses are well bridged in deeper snowpack areas, but there remains the possibility to be surprised in thin snowpack areas.

Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2019 4:00PM