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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 15th, 2019–Apr 18th, 2019
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be below threshold
Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be below threshold
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Though the snowpack is mainly in the grips of daily spring temperature swings, a recent large avalanche failing on basal weaknesses on Mt Blackiston is a good reminder that winter remains on high north faces.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with a high of 8 in the alpine, freezing levels to 2300m and light west wind increasing overnight.Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine high of 6 with freezing levels to 2100m with strong west winds.Thursday: Showers, with 6cm or snow expected in the high alpine. Freezing level of 2800m and strong west winds.

Snowpack Summary

In most areas we are seeing a typical spring snowpack with crusts breaking down in the heat of the day. The exception is high North facing terrain where temperatures have stayed cold and a winter snowpack remains, with facets continuing to linger at the base. The midpack is generally well settled.

Avalanche Summary

Forecaster observed a large avalanche on a high north facing bowl on Mount Blackiston that occurred sometime in the last week. It was triggered by cornice fall, and ran on basal weaknesses. Otherwise, no recent avalanches were observed.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Recent snow may begin to slide on solar aspects as the sun makes an appearance and temperatures rise.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep layers are still responsive to large triggers (think cornices or rain) on high north faces. Though triggering this layer is unlikely, it's not impossible as evidenced by a recent large avalanche on Mt. Blackiston
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: North.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3