Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2017 4:00PM

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

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

There is a lot of low density snow out there for entrainment, small pockets of slab may result in surprisingly large avalanches.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Cloudy. Snow (5cm). Ridgetop winds Moderate-Strong SW. Alpine Temps: High -7, Low -10.Friday: Mostly Cloudy. Snow flurries. Ridgetop winds Strong SW. Alpine Temps: High -5, Low -8.Saturday: Mostly Cloudy. Snow (10cm) Ridgetop winds Strong trending Light SW. Alpine Temps High -5, Low -10

Snowpack Summary

15cm (and counting) of new snow, accompanied by moderate winds, is forming touchy storm slabs in exposed areas. Below this several layers of soft Wind Slab have been easy to trigger in recent days. Up to 70cm of snow has fallen since Feb. 18th, and remains unconsolidated in many areas, expect significant entrainment if you trigger an avalanche.

Avalanche Summary

Nearby operations reported skier triggering of small Wind Slab and Loose Dry avalanches on Monday and Tuesday.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will continue to build through the forecast period.

Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Now buried, previous soft Wind Slabs may be difficult to detect.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Primarily a concern in steep sheltered terrain.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2017 4:00PM