Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 28 – 31, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The biggest influence on the snowpack right now is the sun. Keep an eye on the weather and avoid south facing slopes when the sun is out.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5
    With the sun forecast to make more of an appearance on Friday and Saturday, the new snow sitting on the previous hard crust will become increasingly reactive.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    There remains a concern for deep weak layers in thin north facing alpine features that were not as affected by the recent warm spell.

Weather Forecast

Sunshine and mild temperatures on Friday and Saturday, with freezing levels up to 2000m on Friday and 2400m on Saturday. Sunday will be cloudy with lower temperatures and a freezing level of 1600m.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of recent snow (10-20cm in the front ranges) is sitting on a thick supportive crust in most locations, and appears to be bonding well. Steep north facing alpine terrain is still holding dry snow. The midpack is well settled, and basal weaknesses persist at treeline and in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity observed.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered