Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

LG, Avalanche Canada

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

The storm is upon us, the next couple days will be a great time to visit your local ski resort! If you do choose to go out make conservative terrain choices until the avalanche cycle has run its course and the snow has settled.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 natural windslab was observed on Bertha Peak above the Waterton townsite.

Snowpack Summary

Strong to extreme SW winds are rapidly building windslabs 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

Thurs

Heavy snow, up to 40cm possible with strong to extreme SW winds. Freezing levels around 1900m

Fri

Temps cool and freezing levels fall back to valley bottom. Light snow continues, about 5cm with moderate SW winds.

Sat

Cool temps continue with freezing levels at valley bottom. Light snow and cloudy skies. Moderate SW winds

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

Several crusts are now being buried in our snowpack. The most concerning is the Feb 03 crust which has a sensitive layer of facets above it in many places. We suspect this layer will become more sensitive with the additional load.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong to extreme winds are building thick windslabs at all elevations. These slabs will have the potential to step down to deeper persistent layers.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2024 4:00PM