Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2019 4:01PM

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.

Marcus Waring, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Highly variable upper snowpack requires cautious terrain evaluation at all elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries in the AM.Â Moderate NE winds. Alpine High -20Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Moderate NE winds. Alpine High - 11Thursday: Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Moderate E winds. Alpine high -14

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack is highly variable with a variety of Windslab and Wind affect in all but the most protected areas. The midpack remains strong in deep snowpack areas, but is acting as a slab above deep weak layers in shallower areas that is reactive skiers mainly at below treeline elevations where melt freeze crusts have been preserved.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed in the past 24h.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for reverse loading with recent N-E Winds.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Recent snow has been enough to create a windslab over deep instabilities below treeline where the snowpack is shallow and weak, and melt freeze crusts have been preserved.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2019 4:00PM