Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 8 – 11, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Temperatures are finally moderating allowing winds to return to the typical, strong, SW flow. Be on the lookout for building Windslabs in all exposed terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Winds have shifted from NE to SW on Thursday. Watch for Windslabs on all aspects in exposed terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5
    The basal weaknesses are well bridged in deeper snowpack areas, but there remains the possibility to be surprised in thin snowpack areas.

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Trace precipitation with strong SW winds gusting to 80 km/h.Friday: Mainly Sunny. Alpine high -5.Strong West winds gusting to 60km/h. Saturday: Sunny. Alpine high - 4. Moderate West Winds.Sunday : Sunny. Alpine high -1. Moderate West Winds.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds with extreme gusts contributing to Windslab development on Thursday. These new Windslabs sit over 10-15 cm of faceted powder in the alpine and at treeline. Surface snow below treeline is mostly unaffected by wind. The midpack is generally strong in thick snowpack locations, and is bridging weak basal facets.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity.

Confidence

Regions covered