Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Mar 6 – 9, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Watch for weakening of surface layers and overhead cornices this weekend with solar warming and temperatures rising to just above freezing at mid elevation. Some good turns can still be found in sheltered, more northerly slopes below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Steep, unsupported terrain is a likely trigger spot for these newly formed hard slabs that are found in all open areas at treeline and above.

Weather Forecast

Weekend temperatures will rise to just above freezing at mid elevation during mid day. Combined with solar influences watch for weakening of near surface layers and ridge line cornices. No new snow is forecast. Expect moderate westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Hard slabs are now found in all open areas at treeline and above. They overlie a layer of low density snow on top of strong temperature or sun crusts or old wind slabs.  Deeper persistent instabilities are presently bridged by a strong mid-pack in most locations. Watch for shallow higher elevation areas where triggering is still a possibility.

Avalanche Summary

March 4 saw a small cycle of natural avalanches failing on the previous crusts down 20 to 40cm as the snow from earlier in the week was redistributed on to northerly lee areas. No avalanches were observed on Thursday, March 5th

Confidence

Regions covered