Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 29th, 2018 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWaterton will return to winter this weekend. Watch out for the new snow running far and fast on crusts.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Weather models disagree on snowfall amounts starting Friday afternoon but Waterton could see up to 20cm of snow overnight into Saturday. With the snow, temperatures will fall with day time highs between -5 and -10 and light winds from the NE. More snow is also forecast for Sunday night into Monday.
Snowpack Summary
The warm temperatures and sunny skies have been melting the snowpack at lower elevations. However the snowpack at higher elevation, including cornices, are still large and demand respect. Watch out for storm slabs with new snow on friday.
Avalanche Summary
A large natural avalanche was observed north of Waterton stepping down to the weak facets at the base of the snowpack. Small wet avalanches have been observed from steep solar aspects up to tree line.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
Problems
Storm Slabs
Watchout for storm slabs forming with new snow.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow will form touchy slabs.The storm slab may be more sensitive to human triggering on solar aspects where it sits on a crust
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Because the snow surface is a smooth crust the new snow will run fast and far
Recent snow may be more sensitive to human triggering on solar aspects where it sits on sun crustAvoid traveling on ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 1st, 2018 4:00PM