Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2012 4:00PM

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

tim haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

An incoming system will bring up to 25 cm of new snow by Sunday PM. This new snow could produce an avalanche cycle as it overloads persistent weak layers and creates new windslabs. Stay safe this weekend.

Summary

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers 20 and 50cm down. These slabs can be triggered by skiers. With the expected snow these layers will become increasingly sensitive.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Incoming storm snow Sat and Sun with moderate Westerly winds will produce windslabs in lee areas. Thickness will depend on local precip and wind intensities.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2012 4:00PM