Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

High freezing levels have heightened avalanche hazard terrain at all elevations. Avoid traveling in avalanche terrain until things cool down. Things should improve with the cooling trend and new snow forecast for Sunday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued Chinook conditions with warm temperatures with light precipitation are forecast for Saturday. Sunday morning winds ease off and switch to the North, temperatures should drop considerably to more seasonal values and we may see moderate accumulations of snow before a clearing trend on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Moist surface snow below 1900m on all aspects and up to 2100m on solar aspects. Wind slabs present near ridge crests and open areas above tree line. In deep snow areas there are no other persistent weak layers. In thin snow areas facets are present in the snow pack which could be activated by the warm wet weather we are experiencing.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet slides up to size 1.5 out of steep terrain below tree line were observed today. As things continue to warm up over the next 36hours we may see more avalanches as the combination of wind, warm temperatures and new snow and/or rain, over load cornices, wind slabs and surface snow. As temperatures drop the hazard will also lower.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches or moist storm slabs in steep terrain are likely over the next 36hours. Until things cool down travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Things should improve quickly with the cool temperatures forecast for Sunday.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

The warm, mild conditions with additional precipitation have increased the likelyhood of cornices failures and wind slab avalanches. These should start to stabilize with cooler temperatures on Sunday but should still be treated with caution.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2013 4:00PM