Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2012 4:51PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Cornices.

Jon Stuart-Smith, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Over the weekend warm temperatures have strongly affected the snowpack. Wed these temps will continue with a small amount of precip. Thurs and Friday the hazard should improve with a cooling trend. Still in the transition period to good corn skiing.

Summary

Problems

Loose Wet

The upper snowpack is now a series of crusts with weak moist snow in between. Daytime heating will decrease stability of these surface layers, especially on south aspects. Be cautious if you are traveling on moist snow: low angle supported terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Obvious slabs have developed in open lee areas. Avoid large or planar slopes where these slabs may be more continuous. Feel for harder slabs now hidden by recent storm snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices formed last week with warm moist conditions and strong wind transport. Consider these as potential triggers and limit your exposure to slopes below them.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2012 4:00PM