Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2018 4:33PM

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

timothy johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Watch out for wind slabs when the Waterton Winds return.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expected moderate SW winds arriving late Sunday through Tuesday. Day time temperatures between -4 and -10.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is adding to Waterton's significant snow pack. The mid-layer is well settled, but overlies a sleeping dragon as a deep persistent layer at the bottom of the snow pack.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry avalanches noted on steep terrain.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable on Monday

Problems

Loose Dry

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

No recent avalanches have been observed on this facet layer but this is the sleeping dragon.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger deep slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

With forecasted winds expected to rise Sunday night, we can expect the new snow to form wind slabs.

Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2018 4:00PM