Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Temperatures have remained high for the past two days with another hot day forecast for tomorrow. Poor overnight refreezes mean the snowpack will quickly weaken with daytime warming. If you plan to get out, start early and finish early.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Several natural wet loose avalanches have been observed in the past two days, these have mostly been size 1-2. Larger naturals up to size 3 have been observed in isolated areas.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine/Treeline - Moist surface snow all aspects with weak surface crust forming overnight. This overlies a generally well settled lower snowpack. Feb 03 crust/facets may still exist at high elevations and is buried 100-120 cm deep.
Below Treeline - Moist faceted snow to ground. Most solar aspects are now below threshold for avalanches
Weather Summary
Sun
An alpine high of +10°C with clear skies. Light SW winds, freezing level 3000 m.
Mon
Partly cloudy, freezing level falling to 2500 m. Ridgetop winds moderate from the SW. Alpine high of +5°C.
Tues
Periods of snow with 5 - 10 cm accumulation over the day. Alpine high around -2°C. Light NE ridgetop winds.
For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
This problem will likely peak on Sunday with the likelihood decreasing once temperatures begin to cool off on Monday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
With warm temps this weekend this layer may become triggerable again.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 3