Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 4th, 2013–Mar 7th, 2013

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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