Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
A winter interlude in the middle of spring has us thinking about winter problems again. Watch for windslabs in alpine and treeline lees.
Be prepared to travel in spring conditions again later this week.
Weather Forecast
Tonight: Flurries amounting 10-15 cm. Strong SW winds.
Tuesday: Cloudy with flurries. Alpine high -5 with moderate to strong SW winds. Freezing level 1600m.
Wednesday: Clearing. Alpine high 0 with light to moderate SW winds. FL 1600m.
Thursday: Mainly sunny. Alpine high of +3. Moderate SW winds. FL 3000m.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of new snow with strong SW winds has forming 15-30 cm windslabs on refrozen surfaces. Refrozen surfaces exists on all aspects well into into ALP. A series of crusts and windslab make up the midpack. Lower snowpack is well settled 1F to P. HS 250-300 cm near the continental divide.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed with slightly cooler temps this week. Please report any observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and strong SW winds are forming wind slabs in immediately and ridge crests. Slabs sit top refrozen surfaces and may well not bond
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
As temps warm throughout the week we expect to see new snow transition to a wet loose.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5