Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 26 – Mar 1, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Excellent skiing with little wind effect on all aspects below tree line near Summit Lake today!  Caution for recent wind slabs in open areas at higher elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    In steep wind loaded terrain it may be possible to trigger the recent wind slabs.  These are present near ridge crests at tree line and in open areas above tree line.  Assess these spots carefully and avoid them if in doubt.

Weather Forecast

Generally a mix of sun and cloud with light snow flurries over the next couple days and a clearing trend on Thursday.  Winds remain in the moderate to strong range out of the West.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of snow has fallen in the last several days with moderate to strong W winds.  This has created new wind slabs near ridge crests at tree line and above which could be skier triggered in steep and/or convex terrain.  No persistent weak layers have been observed in the snowpack.  Be cautious of thinner areas where the snowpack may be weaker.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of wind triggered avalanches on NE aspects, size 1-2 out of extreme terrain in the alpine have been observed in the last few days.  No other natural avalanche activity has been observed. 

Confidence

Regions covered