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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 18th, 2013–Mar 21st, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Up to 55 cm of new snow at the top of Forum made for excellent turns on Monday. Strong SW winds have been building windslab on N & E aspects. Danger could increase with sunny periods on Tuesday and then snow and wind forecast for Wed and Thur.

Weather Forecast

Tue – Clearing with light winds. Temps should be cool and freezing level valley bottom. The sun could peek out and warm southerly aspects.  Wed – Snow up to 15 cms. Strong SW winds, temperatures close to freezing. Thur – Continued precipitation and moderate to strong westerly winds. Temperatures should cool a bit to a max of -5 in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 55cm of snow over the last 48 hours is sitting on the Mar 16 melt freeze crust. The crust is present at all aspects and elevations, 7 cm or more thick, and very supportive. This new snow seems to be bonding and settling well with no major shears evident in tests on Monday. Windslabs have already been building on lee N & W slopes.

Avalanche Summary

It was possible to see evidence of sluffing during the storm on 120317 now that visibility has improved. Otherwise no new recent avalanche activity.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds are building windslabs on N & E aspects at treeline and above.  Tuesday might be a bit of a break but with more snow forecast for Wed windslabs will continue to be a concern. Use caution when entering wind affected terrain.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2