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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 5th, 2017–Mar 8th, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

As the new snow continues to pile up, great skiing can be found almost everywhere. It seems hard to justify venturing into bigger, consequential terrain.

Weather Forecast

Monday: Cloudy. Light snowfall. Ridgetop winds Moderate SW. Alpine Temps High -11, Low -16.Tuesday: Mix of Sun and Cloud. Afternoon Flurries. Ridgetop winds Moderate trending Light SW. Alpine Temps High -10, Low -17.Wednesday: Cloudy. Snow (5-10cm). Ridgetop winds Moderate-Strong SW. Alpine Temps High -10, Low -14.

Snowpack Summary

The recent trend of snowfall and wind continues. Currently 14cm of low density snow overlies several layers of previous wind and storm slabs. A persistent weak layer of facets on a crust or old wind slabs is now down 60-90cm. Where this layer is a crust/facet combo (most likely on Sunny aspects at Treeline), the slab sitting above will be touchy.

Avalanche Summary

As recently as Saturday, large wind and storm slab avalanches have been observed as a result of natural triggers in the alpine and at treeline, these occurred primarily on N and E (lee) aspects. Last Thursday at Treeline, a small (Size 1) persistent slab was accidentally triggered by a skier, on a steep, south facing, cross-loaded slope,

Confidence

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

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh Storm Slabs will likely form this week with snow and moderate wind in the forecast.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

New snow may be hiding Wind Slabs formed by previous South West winds. Don't be surprised! Transition carefully into any open terrain.
Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded featuresAssess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

There is uncertainty about the distribution of this layer, it is suspected to be most reactive at Treeline, on steep S and SW aspects where facets overlie a crust.
Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes. Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong inicators of unstable snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3