Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2018 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

timothy johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Waterton 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.Â 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

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

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

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2018 4:00PM