Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 21 – 24, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Freezing levels will drop to 1700m on the weekend. Until then, avoid avalanche terrain and be mindful of your overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    Wind slabs formed on Thursday may still be reactive on shaded aspects at higher elevations.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3
    There remains a concern for deep weak layers in thin snowpack areas. Warm temperatures and solar radiation have the potential to wake them up.

Weather Forecast

Friday:  Sunny. Freezing Level 3000m  Light West wind.Saturday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Freezing Level dropping to 1800m. 1-2mm of precipitation possible.Sunday: Cloudy with a chance of flurries. Freezing Level 1600m

Snowpack Summary

Solar affect is the primary concern for Friday. Up to 1m of moist snow on solar aspects during the heat of the day. The lower snowpack remains weak and facetted, and as the warm temperatures continue there is a possibility this layer could produce large avalanches.

Avalanche Summary

A number of Natural, Size 2 loose wet avalanches were observed on Mt. Bertha and along the Akamina Parkway during the week. They entrained a substantial part of the facetted snowpack in some areas, making them larger than one might expect.

Confidence

Regions covered