Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 10 – 13, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Thursdays snowfall should provide a much needed reset of the ski conditions. Be wary of the potential for natural avalanche activity mid-storm, and give the new snow some time to settle before pushing your terrain choices. JH

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Expect rapidly developing cornice tabs to remain fragile for several days.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Strong wind and heavy precipitation will cause rapid storm slab development in lee areas on Thursday.

  • Loose Wet

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

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A warm front brings heavy snowfall (up to 25cm), strong to extreme SW wind, and warming temperatures (freezing level to 2000m by mid afternoon).Friday: A high over the southern rockies/prairies will stabilize conditions, giving sunny breaks, light winds and ongoing warm temps.Saturday: The high persists, with ongoing warm sunny weather.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy snowfall forecast for Thursday will fall on 3 cm of snow over a strong crust which is widespread into the lower alpine. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated, and is made up of a series of crusts at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Winter conditions persist only on northerly aspects in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

There has been no new avalanche activity since last weekends rain event.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Regions covered