Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2012 5:14PM

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

Jon Stuart-Smith, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Freezing levels are forecast to remain at mtn top until Wed night. This means that stability will deteriorate early on Wed especially on solar aspects. Winter will return on Thurs with 15cm of snow in the alpine, natural avalanches should be expected

Summary

Problems

Loose Wet

Overnight freezing has created solid crusts at lower elev but in the alpine the upper snowpack is still a series of crusts. Freezing levels should remain above 3000m for Wed night meaning poorer stability in the morning, decreasing with solar warming

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large and fragile cornices now loom over most north and east aspects. These will be prone to natural failure during warming trends. Carefully consider your route choice while traveling on ridges and pay attention to what is above you.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

They crust that was buried on March 26 is now down around 50cm. Avalanches that start in surface layers could step down to this interface, especially at higher elevations where the surface crusts are not as thick.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2012 4:00PM