Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
A widespread natural avalanche cycle is likely with unseasonably warm temperatures and high freezing levels. This is a good weekend to avoid avalanche terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural wet loose avalanches have been observed on solar aspects at all elevations. One natural, size 2 persistent slab avalanche was observed on Thursday, likely triggered by solar input and increasing temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
Moist surface snow all elevations on solar aspects. The Feb 3rd crust/facet persistent weak layer is buried 60-120 cm deep. Below this, the snowpack consists of a mixture of settled snow and crust/facet layers to ground. Snowpack depths between 80 - 250 cm.
Weather Summary
Sat
Clear skies with light northeast winds. Alpine temperatures staying above 0°C with alpine high of +7°C. Freezing level remains around 2800 m.
Sun
Sunny with light northerly winds. Freezing level 3500 m with an alpine high of +7°C.
Mon
Sunny with light winds. Freezing level 3400 m with an alpine high of +6°C.
For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
- Persistent slabs have potential to pull back to lower angle terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
This layer is likely to become more reactive with rising freezing levels this weekend.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5
Loose Wet
Small wet loose avalanches could trigger persistent weak layers and result in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5