Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 27 – 30, 2016Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

An up-slope storm centered on Waterton will substantially increase both ski quality and avalanche danger. The Danger Levels will depend heavily on how much snow we actually receive. Adjust your decision-making accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Expect natural Loose Dry avalanches from cliffy terrain lee to NE winds during the storm. Human triggered sluffing in more sheltered steep terrain will remain likely throughout the forecast period.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    These will be largest, and most widespread, on S and W aspect lee slopes at Alpine and Treeline elevations. However, new snow may also overload small buried wind slabs that exist near ridges, lee to previous SW winds.

Weather Forecast

A strong upslope flow develops midday Monday, with snow to valley floor. Expect poor visibility and snowfall, heavy at times, ending midday Tuesday. Amounts differ wildly between forecasts: anywhere from 20 to 100cm in 24 hours, with initially strong NE winds at treeline and alpine elevations. Rising temperatures keep hazard elevated on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Expect new snowfall through Monday & Tuesday to add a substantial amount of storm snow to the upper snowpack. This will bury small Wind Slabs that are difficult to trigger, lee to previous SW winds. These overlie a supportive Melt-Freeze crust which extends into the alpine on all aspects, and caps a strong and consolidated snowpack below.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread cycle of small, Loose Dry avalanches occurred on Friday. On Saturday, forecasters observed shooting cracks from their ski tips, propagating several meters. These cracked 40cm deep through recent wind slabs, isolated to ridgetop lee slopes.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Regions covered