Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 22 – 25, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A storm on Friday afternoon could bring up to 25cm of new snow by Saturday. This will come with strong southwest winds and will build on already growing windslabs. Avalanche danger will increase for the next few days depending on the storm intensity.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Slabs are continuing to form in exposed areas with SW winds. These are growing in size and thickness with continued precipitation. If the snow arrives Friday as forecast these slabs could build to 1m thick on north and east lee slopes in the alpine.

Weather Forecast

A significant storm is forecast to hit the area last in the afternoon on Friday. This could bring up to 25mm of precipitation. Winds are forecast to be strong from the West or SW throughout the storm. The storm should be over by midday on Saturday with skies clearing and cooler temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

Winds picked up last night and were strong SW throughout the day. Up to 10 cm of new snow at ridgetop in the last 48hrs. This is building windslab on N and E lee slopes. The storm snow from the weekend has settled and seems to be bonding well but with sun crust and old wind slabs underneath this, the bond may not be good on all aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed on Thursday.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Regions covered