Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2013 5:32PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Parks Canada conrad janzen, Parks Canada

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Waterton Lakes.

Excellent skiing with little wind effect on all aspects below tree line near Summit Lake today!  Caution for recent wind slabs in open areas at higher elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Generally a mix of sun and cloud with light snow flurries over the next couple days and a clearing trend on Thursday.  Winds remain in the moderate to strong range out of the West.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of snow has fallen in the last several days with moderate to strong W winds.  This has created new wind slabs near ridge crests at tree line and above which could be skier triggered in steep and/or convex terrain.  No persistent weak layers have been observed in the snowpack.  Be cautious of thinner areas where the snowpack may be weaker.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of wind triggered avalanches on NE aspects, size 1-2 out of extreme terrain in the alpine have been observed in the last few days.  No other natural avalanche activity has been observed. 

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
In steep wind loaded terrain it may be possible to trigger the recent wind slabs.  These are present near ridge crests at tree line and in open areas above tree line.  Assess these spots carefully and avoid them if in doubt.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2013 4:00PM

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