Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 12 – 15, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Snowfall amounts on Tuesday are uncertain but Windslab will continue to build regardless of storm totals.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Ski quality is best in sheltered trees.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Though there has been limited activity on this layer, it is still on our mind with consistent sudden collapse results in test profiles.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: 2 cm of snow overnight. -20Tuesday: 10-15cm of snow throughout the day. Moderate SW winds with Strong to Extreme gusts.Wednesday: Mainly Cloudy with isolated flurries.  Moderate West Winds. Alpine high -8.Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with Moderate SW wind,. Alpine high -6.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of facetting storm snow has added to the formation of Windlsab in the alpine and at ridge top. Windslab will continue to be a primary concern on Tuesday as the forecasted snow is accompanied by moderate - extreme winds. The Midpack is strong in deep snowpack areas but the facets at the base of the snowpack remain a concern in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered