Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 2013 5:51PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

tim haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Lots of new snow will be available for the winds to blow with the active weather systems forecast for Wednesday. The new snow will form slabs as it begins to settle and is redistributed by the wind. Great skiing in the meantime with very little wind.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday Cloudy, warming, freezing level 1400m. Light precip overnight, 5cm. Winds light S in the morning, to moderate SW in the afternoon.Wednesday Strong variable winds as low passes South shifting briefly North then West. Little overnight recovery, temps dropping midday. 10-15 cm.Thursday Cloudy, winds moderate to strong W. Freeze level 1300m.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 60 cm Storm snow above 2100m with minimal wind effect mainly in areas exposed to North winds. March 3 rain crust is as high as 2100m with 25cm over a weak crust at 1700m and 20cm over a very weak crust and an isothermal (rain soaked) snowpack below 1500m. Crusts gaining strength with cooling trend. A very thin suncrust formed on South slopes.

Avalanche Summary

A few size 2 slabs were seen today that appeared to have been in areas just a bit pressed by North winds. The slabs all looked to have been very soft and may have run in the storm snow or on the March 3 rain crust. All of these events were triggered by light loads: minor sluffs from steep terrain.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

The recent snow has formed a soft slab in isolated areas that can be triggered by light loads. As winds pick up these slabs will grow and become more widespread. Monitor for slabs as you travel and use caution in unsupported terrain.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Choose well supported terrain without convexities.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2013 4:00PM