Tim Haggarty, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes National Park Avalanche Forecast

Mar 2nd, 2012 5:54PM

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

Strong Westerly Winds! Precip on Sat and potentially Heavy on Mon. Sunday will bring rising freezing levels to near 1800m Monday. Likelihood of Natural Activity will increase. Consider fragile cornices, watch the warming and rapid loading.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Likelihood

Very Likely - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Soft slabs are present on the lee sides of wind exposed features. With 60cm of recent storm snow available for transport and more snow to come, these slabs will continue to develop with Strong Westerly winds. Watch precip and warming trends.

Aspects:

North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations:

Alpine, Treeline.

Persistent Slabs

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Suncrusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar now down 50 to 80cm. With continued loading and forecast rise in freezing levels these slabs may become more active.

Aspects:

North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations:

All elevations.

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2012 4:00PM