Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2012 8:18PM

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

Tim Haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Heat and wind have triggered some small slides that have pulled out deeper persistent slabs. Continued warm temps, strong winds, and a bit of snow are in the forecast. Carefully consider the effects of these factors above you and under your skis.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Previous wind slabs are now buried 15cm and still could be triggered by skiers. NW winds forecast for Wed will be building windslabs outside of normal locations. With all the new snow from the weekend, these slabs will grow quickly.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Suncrusts and Surface Hoar now down 50 to 100 cm. Watch daytime heating on solar slopes above the crusts. Isolated areas on Northerly slopes protected from the sun and wind may hold surface hoar. If triggered these slabs would be large.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Storm Slabs

The recent storm snow is settling with the effects of wind and heating forming a stiffer slab. These shallow slabs are weakened with daytime heat and will be sensitive to light loads: skiers, snow rolling off of rocks and trees or moist sloughs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2012 5:00PM