Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2013 4:17PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

A warm moist system is heading our way over the next few days with increased freezing levels and light to moderate precipitation. Expect the avalanche hazard to rise and avoid exposure to terrain threatened by cornices or significant wind loading.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Chinook starting Friday. Freezing levels to 1800m, moderate precipitation and moderate to strong SW winds. Little overnight recovery. Saturday a ridge arrives with light to moderate precipitation in the evening, moderate to strong W winds and freezing levels to 1900m. Sunday freezing levels drop to surface, with N winds and light precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of new snow has fallen over the last three days in the Cameron Lake areaÂ and is bonding well to previous surfaces. Sun crust forming today on South aspects.Â Wind slabs are present near ridge crests and in open areas at tree line and above and are also bonding well.Â Freezing levels today up to 1600m.

Avalanche Summary

Only a few small natural avalanches out of steep wind loaded terrain over the past few days.Â Some solar triggered sluffing on steep South aspects today.Â

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

With additional precipitation, warm temperatures, and moderate to strong SW winds we expect new wind slabs to form and the hazard to rise over the next couple of days. We may also see increased cornice failures with the warm temperatures.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2013 4:00PM