Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 29 – Apr 1, 2018Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Waterton will return to winter this weekend. Watch out for the new snow running far and fast on crusts.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1
    Because the snow surface is a smooth crust the new snow will run fast and far

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5
    Watchout for storm slabs forming with new snow.

Weather Forecast

Weather models disagree on snowfall amounts starting Friday afternoon but Waterton could see up to 20cm of snow overnight into Saturday.  With the snow, temperatures will fall with day time highs between -5 and -10 and light winds from the NE. More snow is also forecast for Sunday night into Monday.

Snowpack Summary

The warm temperatures and sunny skies have been melting the snowpack at lower elevations. However the snowpack at higher elevation, including cornices, are still large and demand respect. Watch out for storm slabs with new snow on friday.

Avalanche Summary

A large natural avalanche was observed north of Waterton stepping down to the weak facets at the base of the snowpack. Small wet avalanches have been observed from steep solar aspects up to tree line.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Regions covered