Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 28th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Numerous large avalanches have been observed in Waterton in the last 24h. Expect to see more activity with this weekends warm temperatures. Now is the time to choose very conservative terrain or head to the ski hill.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Another widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred on Thursday during a wind event. Persistent slab avalanches were observed to size 3.
See the photo for a size 3 avalanche captured in motion on the NW slopes of Blackiston.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30cm of storm snow from this weekend has been redistributed by SW winds up to 80km/h. These winds have formed windslabs up to 100cm deep at treeline and in the alpine. This overlies the Jan 31 drought layer is down 60-100 cm. Snowpack is generally thin and facetted at all elevations. HS on treeline lees avg 130- 200 cm. Below 1800m snow was moist and has now began to re-freeze.
Weather Summary
Snow arrives on Monday but first a warm weekend.
Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
- Wet avalanche activity may step down to deeply buried persistent weak layers at lower elevations.
Problems
Wind Slabs
In many places wind slab are failing on or stepping down to the January PWL.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
New wind loading in the alpine and at treeline is causing the January 31st drought layer to fail in many places. As natural activity tapers this layer will still be in the human triggerable range.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warm temps are forecast for Saturday and Sunday. With good overnight re-freezes this problem will be isolated to peak warming. Pay special attention to steep solar slopes.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
