Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Apr 3 – 6, 2016Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

With spring well on it's way diurnal temperatures swings are becoming increasingly strong, plan accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Sensitivity of these storms slabs will vary depending on the underlying bed surface.  Be especially cautious in areas where the new snow overlies a crust.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Watch for moist or wet surface snow - this means avalanche activity is more likely.

Weather Forecast

Monday: A weak cold front pushes through: giving up to 10cm of snow, freezing levels approaching valley bottom, and mod-strong W wind.Tuesday: Cloudy skies, ongoing mod-strong W wind, and freezing levels to 1900m.Wednesday: Cloudy skies, scattered flurries/showers, ongoing mod-strong W wind, freezing levels rising to 2400m

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing warm temps have made the upper snowpack moist or wet on all but high north aspects, with some overnight crust recovery occurring at upper elevations only. At treeline and in the alpine the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong, with a series of crusts on all solar aspects. Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal.

Avalanche Summary

The widespread cycle of natural activity resulting from last weeks heavy snowfall followed by warm temps has abated. No new avalanche activity was observed today.

Confidence

Regions covered