Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

Lynnea Baker,

Waterton Lakes.

Akamina Parkway has reopened.

Though natural avalanche activity has tapered with cooling temps allow snowpack time to adjust to significant new load.

20 cm of light unconsolidated surface snow has improved ski quality but be vigilant with sluffing.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Flurries, accumulating to 5cm. Light wind. Alpine temps -7.

Fri: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Light NE winds. Alpine temps high -6. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Sat: Mix of sun and cloud. Light NE wind. Alpine temps high -9. Freezing levels VB.

Sun: Sunny with cloudy periods. Moderate SW winds. Alpine high -9, Low -13. Freezing levels VB.

Snowpack Summary

Over 70cm of snow and mod SW winds formed storm slabs up to 100cm in ALP. BTL the storm rained to 2000m before temps cooled bringing 15-20cm snow. This overlies old windslab 10-30 cm deep. Feb 15 crust is 1 cm thick and exists to tree line all aspects and higher on solar aspects. Well settled midpack. Facets above Dec 4 crust, buried 150-200 cm.

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of a widespread natural cycle from last 24-72 hrs with storm slab, wet slab and wet loose avalanches to size 3 can be seen around the park. Numerous avalanches reaching valley bottom. Thanks for the great observations on the Mountain Information Network, we love seeing your adventures.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 70cm of new snow and moderate SW winds has formed slabs in the alpine up to 100cm deep.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Loose Dry

Cooling temperatures towards the tail end of the storm is depositing 15-20 cm of light unconsolidated snow at all elevation. Watch for loose dry slides in steep unsupported terrain. Manege your sluff.

Be careful of loose dry sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2022 4:00PM