Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2018 4:00PM

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

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Snow is disappearing fast from lower elevations but overhead and alpine avalanche hazard still exists.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow overnight Saturday through Sunday with daytime temperature staying below freezing in the townsite. Winds will remain light from the NE

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures and rain have started a melt freeze cycle in the eastern slope of Waterton. Snow has been disappearing fast at lower elevations and south facing aspects, but wind loaded gulleys and north facing slope in the alpine are still holding snow.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose wet avalanches off steep terrain as the sun comes out and temperatures rise throughout the day.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Loose Wet

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Pay attention to sluffing off cliffs and steep solar terrain, signs of a warming snowpack.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 19th, 2018 4:00PM