Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Thursdays snowfall should provide a much needed reset of the ski conditions. Be wary of the potential for natural avalanche activity mid-storm, and give the new snow some time to settle before pushing your terrain choices. JH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A warm front brings heavy snowfall (up to 25cm), strong to extreme SW wind, and warming temperatures (freezing level to 2000m by mid afternoon).Friday: A high over the southern rockies/prairies will stabilize conditions, giving sunny breaks, light winds and ongoing warm temps.Saturday: The high persists, with ongoing warm sunny weather.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy snowfall forecast for Thursday will fall on 3 cm of snow over a strong crust which is widespread into the lower alpine. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated, and is made up of a series of crusts at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Winter conditions persist only on northerly aspects in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

There has been no new avalanche activity since last weekends rain event.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Strong wind and heavy precipitation will cause rapid storm slab development in lee areas on Thursday.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Expect rapidly developing cornice tabs to remain fragile for several days.

Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2016 4:00PM