Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
The warm air has arrived! This shock to the snowpack has the potential to wake up deep weak layers, especially in the front ranges. Avoid overhead hazard and thin rocky terrain.
Weather Forecast
Monday: Warm! Especially in the front ranges, with freezing levels expected to rise to 2000m (possibly higher). Moderate southwest winds and a mix of sun and cloud.
Tuesday: Freezing level to 1500m, with a good overnight freeze expected. Continued moderate southwest winds and flurries.
Wednesday: Freezing level to 1500m, continued flurries and wind.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow paired with strong west winds has formed wind slabs at all elevations. The midpack is strong and well settled in the Cameron lake area, but that rapidly changes as you move east of the divide where you will find a weaker, shallower snowpack. The base of the snowpack consists of crusts and weak facets formed early in the season.
Avalanche Summary
A field trip to Cameron Lake on Sunday found isolated evidence of previous windslab activity to size 2.5 in alpine lee features.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate south westerly winds will continue to form windslabs in the alpine and treeline, especially if we see new snow up high on Tuesday night/Wednesday
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
As temperatures warm, the basal facets may become a player again, especially in the relatively shallow front ranges. Consider overhead hazard, the consequence of a small avalanche triggering a deeper slab, and stick to deep well supported terrain.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
- Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3