Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 15th, 2016 4:00PM

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

Ruari Macfarlane, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Great turns to be had, but don't be lured into aggressive terrain too soon. Also, bear in mind that forecaster confidence is lower late in the week, as weather may be different than current forecasts indicate.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A high developing over BC will push the current unsettled airmass right out of town, but spins us a light upslope flow on Thursday- expect continued cold temperatures and light snowfall (2-6cm daily). Expect -5 to -10 temperatures at treeline. Moderate W winds ease, before a brief period of moderate NE winds early Thursday - soon becoming light.

Snowpack Summary

50cm of snow fell over the past week. Accompanying SW winds have created dense Storm Slabs 30-60cm deep on lee slopes. Easy-Moderate shears exist down 20cm on a mid-storm layer. The slab appears to be bonding well to the underlying crust in many areas, but this should be investigated carefully. Below, weak buried crusts exist in isolated locations.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a few storm slabs were observed in steep, lee terrain below 2200m. These varied from small (Size 1), to large (Size 2). On Tuesday, a large (Size 2.5 ) storm slab was observed to have occurred in a steep and unsupported alpine slope below cornices, in the Forum Lake area.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are variable in distribution and thickness, but currently exist on many lee slopes. Use particular caution on steeper slopes, and consider the consequences of your terrain choices.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes. Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 18th, 2016 4:00PM