Avalanche Forecast

Avalanche Bulletin - Waterton Lakes National Park

Date issued

Jun 16, 2017 - 10:08 AM

Valid until

until further notice

Prepared by

Ruari Macfarlane

We have slowly transitioned to a summer snowpack. Many trails will hold snow later than usual. Trail report: http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/index_e.asp . Avalanches are generally unlikely, but are possible at times - see the "Forecast details" tab.

Danger Ratings
Problems
Details

Off Season

Information regarding summer mountain conditions can be found on the Mountain Conditions Report, published by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

Summer Condition details

Avalanche Summary

Avalanches are less common in Summer, but remain possible at times. Avoid areas with tell-tale "Glide cracks" (wide cracks through the snowpack to the ground). Avalanches are most likely to occur during (or within 24 hours of) snowfall or heavy rain.Be aware of slipping potential on hard snow - boots, ice axes, and/or crampons may be necessary.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack depths are deeper than normal for early Summer, due to a heavy snowfall winter and sustained cool temperatures through mid Spring. Expect trails to hold snow for weeks longer than usual, particularly higher elevation trails in Southern and Western areas. Currently (Mid June), seasonal snow still exists below treeline in Western areas.

Weather Forecast

Danger Ratings Explained

1 - Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

2 - Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

3 - Considerable

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

4 - High

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

5 - Extreme

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

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