Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 18 – 21, 2020Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 7 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Lots of windslab in the front range but good skiing can be found in sheltered areas West of the divide.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The reactivity of these windslabs is extremely variable. Avoid heavily loaded areas and be aware that below 2200m, windslabs sit on a thick melt freeze crust which could serve as an excellent bed surface.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    This problem is more prevalent in shallow snowpack areas. Use caution moving from thick to thin spots as our area has an incredibly variable snowpack depth.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries in the early AM. Light West Wind. Freezing level valley bottom.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Light to moderate West wind. Freezing level valley bottom.

Thursday: Mostly Sunny. Moderate SW wind. Freezing level rising to 1400m.

Snowpack Summary

Sheltered areas, such as Cameron Lake, are skiing well & only have a few isolated pockets of windslab at ridgetop. Wind exposed areas have new & old windslabs sitting over a melt freeze crust which exists up to 2200m. Reactivity of this crust is highly variable. The midpack is well settled, though weaker basal facets can be found in thin areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations in the past 48 hours.

Significant cornice growth noted in the alpine.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Regions covered