Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 13 – 16, 2016Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Winter temperatures, winter snow, and winter avalanche problems! It's all back... bring your smile, your skis / snowshoes, your avalanche rescue equipment, and your savvy.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Cornices have been growing lately. They may become touchy for a day or two, as they adjust to colder temperatures.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New snowfall and wind loading has created thick storm slabs on many lee slopes. These have been bonding poorly to crusts below. They will slowly become less sensitive to triggering with the cold temperatures forecast.

Weather Forecast

A little more snowfall for Sunday night, with cooling temperatures - models disagree as to just how much, but upto 10cm. Monday-Wednesday, expect winter-like temperatures, and unsettled weather: a mix of sun & cloud, with the odd flurry. Strong Westerly winds on Monday gradually ease to Light Westerlies by Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

25-40cm of snow has fallen since Thursday, accompanied by strong SW winds and warm temperatures . This has created dense Storm Slabs on lee slopes, bonding poorly to a crust below. A deeper crust down 60-100cm has produced alarming results in some snowpack tests at Treeline, although slope tests did not produce avalanches on this layer.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday and Sunday, several small Storm Slab avalanches were observed in lee terrain. These started in steep terrain, or under headwalls. Two very large avalanches were observed recently near the divide. These began in steep, unsupported terrain. The dates of these are unknown, but warm storms on March 6 or March 10 were likely responsible.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Regions covered