Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2016 4:26PM

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

Ruari Macfarlane, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Recent heavy snowfalls, mixed with warm temperatures, have created all kinds of funky ski conditions. On top of this, a very warm weekend will keep hazard elevated. A good weekend to ride a bike, or read a book...

Summary

Weather Forecast

A strong, warm ridge over BC heralds a dramatic rise in freezing levels. After a cool night on Thursday, expect the freezing level to remain in the Alpine through the weekend. Expect a mix of cloud, and hard-hitting sun, with a few flurries possible on Saturday or Sunday. Winds will be Westerly: Light, except Strong on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

40cm of moist storm snow is sluffing during periods of daytime heating, rain, or solar input, but otherwise has bonded to buried Melt-Freeze Crusts below. These are strong, widespread, and are locking in the mid and lower snowpack. Expect a solid surface crust to form on Thursday night, but for surface snow to become & remain wet from Friday on.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread cycle of small (size 1 - 1.5) Loose Wet avalanches occurred on Thursday evening and Friday, during and after 10mm of rain / wet snowfall. Two large (Size 2) Loose Wet avalanches were observed Below Treeline on Bertha Peak, due to the Eastern ranges of the Park catching the bulk of Thursday night's precipitation.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Loose Wet

A surface crust will break down on low elevation and solar slopes by midday Friday, and everywhere else by Saturday. Watch for moist or wet snow surfaces - these mean Loose wet activity is likely. Avoid exposure to steep terrain above.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of strong sun.Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

Wet slabs may occur in isolated areas. These are more likely on slopes catching lots of sun, but may release several hours after the peak warming or solar input.

Use extra caution on solar slopes, or if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2016 4:00PM