Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.
We are entering the spring mountain season. The main problems will be surface instabilities, daytime warming, and looming overhead cornices. The best skiing will be found on high northerly aspects. Unfortunately the ice climbing scene is grim with the exception of those willing to get their alpinism on.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observations, however limited field observations this week.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of new snow overlies surface crust on all solar aspects and settled snow on polar aspects in the alpine. Generally the lower snowpack is well settled with the January drought layer down 50-130cm and a total tree line snowpack depth of 130-200cm.
Weather Summary
5 - 10 cm of new snow expected Saturday night, and then a clearing trend for early next week. See photo for a more detailed 3-day forecast.
Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate big and steep terrain features before committing to them.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The snow on Saturday night will come with moderate southwest winds likely creating small wind slabs in immediate lee features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
The new snow will slide easily on the underlying crust once the sun comes out and temperatures increase on Monday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5