Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 8th, 2021–Mar 11th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

It sure feels like spring out there, and south facing slopes are heating up quickly in the morning which can lead to hazard increasing quickly. The persistent slab could still be triggered by people, so dig down often to evaluate the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

The transition to spring is real: Generally a mix of sun and cloud with potential for convective flurries in the afternoon for the forecast period with freezing levels at valley bottom at night, and rising to 1300-1600m during the day. Winds will generally be light form the southwest except Tuesday night where they could increase to 50km/h.

Snowpack Summary

A crust exists on the surface to ridgetop on solar aspects and at low elevations. This tops 20-50cm dense settled snow on top of the February 14 facet layer which is above a melt freeze crust at treeline and below. The remainder of the midpack is made up of dense facets and decomposing crusts, with early season ice crusts forming the base.

Avalanche Summary

Warm temperatures last weekend triggered several persistent slab avalanches failing on the February 14 facet layer. These were predominately in the 1800-2000m range on south through east aspects, though one was observed well below treeline in a southeast facing gully feature. A few loose wet avalanches to size 2 were also seen.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem is most prevalent at and below treeline where it exists as a prominent facet layer down 30-70. Though activity has tapered off it is at a prime depth to be triggered by skiers, especially as things heat up during the day on solar aspects

  • Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

The sun is packing a punch these days, and surface snow will quickly destabilize on steep solar aspects when it comes out.

  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5