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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 1st, 2024–Mar 4th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

A widespread natural cycle was observed through the storm this week. We expect natural activity will decrease, however, conditions are now primed for human triggering into the weekend. If you do choose to go out, continue to make conservative terrain choices.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural large avalanches observed on road patrol today to size 3. Several of these appear to have failed on persistent weak layers, based on the depth of the crowns.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 50cm of new snow has formed windslabs and storm slabs at all elevations. The Feb 3rd crust is down 50-100cm and has a thin layer of weak facets above it. The lower snowpack is a well-settled crust/facet complex to the ground. Average snowpack depths are between 100 - 175 cm.

Weather Summary

Sat

Cloudy with light snow 2-10cm. Light winds and an alpine high of -17°C.

Sun

Cloudy with light snow 5-10cm. Light winds with an alpine high of -10°C.

Mon

Continued warm up with an alpine high of -5°C. Light winds under broken skies. Chance of PM flurries.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.