Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2012 5:06PM

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

Tim Haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Small amounts of recent snowfall have been redistributed by moderate West and SW winds creating windslabs. These windslabs are the main avalanche concern right now. Be aware of surface hoar now down 40cm in sheltered and shaded areas near treeline.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Increased West and South West winds in the last 24 hours have transported snow creating thin windslabs in exposed areas.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A persistent weak layer of surface hoar may be found in shaded areas protected from the wind around treeline. The depth and hardness of the slab overlying this layer are now reaching values that make human triggering more likely.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2012 5:06PM