Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 25 – 28, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A rapid increase in temps coupled with a significant wind event has created dangerous avalanche conditions. Up to 50cm of storm snow is being rapidly transported at all elevations. Sticking to sheltered terrain will help to decrease your risk and keep your hat from blowing away!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Strong to extreme winds are rapidly building new windslab in lees

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak grains in the form of facets have developed above and below the Mid January crust. Field tests on this layer Tuesday show that it may be gaining strength, however observations have been limited and it is now buried up to 1m deep. If triggered larger avalanches may occur.

Avalanche Summary

No new naturals were observed this week, however, visibility has been poor.

Thanks to all the great posts this week on the Mountain Information Network, keep it up!!!

Snowpack Summary

30-50cm storm snow from this week is being redistributed by SW winds into new windslabs. This overlies a stiffer windslab from last week's wind events and the Mid-January crust interface that is now down 50-120 cm. Alpine and Treeline midpack is well settled and overlies basal facets and depth hoar, especially in thin areas. Below treeline, the Jan Crust overlies facets and depth hoar to ground.

Weather Summary

Saturday

Alpine high of -8 today under clear skies. Winds will be extreme from the SW, and no new precip expected

Sunday

Alpine high today of -5 with broken skies. Light flurries and winds decrease to strong SW.

Monday

Alpine high today of -15 with overcast skies and light flurries. Winds decrease to moderate out of the SW.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Confidence

Low

Regions covered