Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2017 4:39PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Get out and enjoy the snow, but don't let the good conditions and a lack of signs of instability at lower elevations lull you into complacency.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Mostly Clear, Freezing Level Surface, Alpine Low -12, Light to Moderate West Wind.Thursday: Cloudy, Flurries (2-5cm expected), Alpine Low -15, Wind Light North switching to Southwest.Friday: Cloudy, Flurries (1-3cm expected), Alpine Low -17. Light Southwest Wind.

Snowpack Summary

Below Treeline 10-20cm of new snow overlies a strong melt-freeze crust.At Treeline and in the Alpine up to 50cm of snow has fallen since February 18th. This overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and old wind slabs elsewhere. Below this, the snowpack depth is highly variable as a result of numerous wind events.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snowfall has been heaviest near the divide and tapers quickly as you move East. Be extra cautious in areas where the new snow is deepest.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2017 4:00PM