Storm Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible - Likely
- Size
- 1–2
As spring storms continue to bring additional snow watch for new storm and windslabs to form over surface crusts
Avalanche forecast
View on mapWaterton Lakes
Apr 27 – 28, 2014Parks Canada
Archived · expired 12 years ago
Avalanche danger
Tue
Wed
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
Highlights
Public Bulletins will no longer be provided for the 2013/14 season however avalanche hazard will persist later this year with an above average snowpack. Contact Visitor Safety at WLNP for help with safe trip planning in the spring and summer seasons.
Avalanche problems
Loose Wet
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–2
Even short bursts of solar heating can rapidly affect the snow this time of the year. With mild temperatures in the forecast, watch for rain to affect the snow at lower elevations.
Deep Persistent Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely - Possible
- Size
- 2–4
Sustained heating will weaken the upper snowpack as the days become warmer and the weak basal layers are likely to allow for some large avalanches. Remember cornice failures and smaller avalanches hitting a slope could trigger these serious slabs.
Weather Forecast
Watch for periods of warming in the form of sun or rain to weaken the surface crusts. If above freezing conditions persist through overnight periods the poor recovery of surface crusts and further heating may affect deeper layers. Spring storms will undoubtedly bring additional snow to the area: watch for new storm and wind slabs to form.
Snowpack Summary
Melt freeze cycles have created surface crusts on all but high North facing slopes. As new snow accumulates over these crusts watch for storm slab and wind slab problems to arise. Cornices have continued to grow with recent storms. The midpack and buried crusts provide strength over the weak basal facets in most areas with deep snowpack values.
Avalanche Summary
Recent local avalanche activity has included loose wet events associated with heating in the form of sun or, at lower elevations, rain. On the larger scene, large events failing to the basal layers continue to be reported as the snowpack loses strength with heating. Cornices and smaller avalanches are potential triggers for this type of event.