Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2016 4:00PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

More new snow has fallen at upper elevations near the divide, expect to find some good turns in sheltered areas and wind slabs in the lee of exposed features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weakening front will bring unsettled air through the area on Thursday, giving scattered flurries, moderate to strong SW winds and ongoing warm temperatures (freezing level around 1750m). This is followed by a brief ridge on Friday which will bring sunny skies, light winds, and slightly cooler temps.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25cm of recent storm snow is being redistributed by Strong SW winds, building on existing large cornices, and creating fresh wind slabs on many lee slopes. The new snow overlies a well settled mid snowpack with a series of up to 4 crusts on all but shaded alpine aspects. The bonds to these crusts warrant assessment but appear strong for now.

Avalanche Summary

No recent activity has been observed or reported. On Monday, a neighboring operation observed a large slab avalanche on a north aspect, this was triggered by cornice fall in extreme terrain.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong SW winds continue to blow recent snowfall onto lee slopes, forming wind slabs.

Test slopes before committing to them.Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading is creating Wind Slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices have been growing in size. These can fail at any time, but should be given an especially wide berth when temperatures are warm, and/or snow is being transported by wind.

Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2016 4:00PM