Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
Hazard will be increased with daytime warming, pay special attention to solar slopes especially if the sky clears.
Travel may be very difficult in the afternoon as snowpack transitions to isothermal.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Earlier this week a small wet loose cycle occurred in the new surface snow. Avalanches to size 2 were observed on all aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Warm daytime temps and strong overnight refreezes have formed a surface crust complex on all aspects at all elevations. In the afternoon expect snow to turn isothermal. The January melt freeze crust is buried up to 100cm. Alpine and Treeline midpack is well settled and overlies basal facets and depth hoar. Most places the snowpack is now moist to ground.
Weather Summary
Tues-Thurs
Temps continue to rise over the next three days. Alpine temps near +5 are possible with broken skies. Some convective flurries are possible over the next couple days before the larger high-pressure ridge sets up on the weekend. Winds will be moderate SW.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Expecting more reactivity on steep solar slopes especially in the PM.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2