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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 15th, 2024–Jan 18th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Waterton, Waterton Lakes.

Reactive wind slabs may exist on all aspects, especially in steep alpine features. A touchy persistent slab problem also exists below treeline in steep, sheltered areas. Lots of hidden hazards still exist below treeline.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural windslabs to size 2 were observed up the Akamina Parkway in steep and sheltered lee features this week. Two size 2 persistent slab avalanches were triggered remotely by the field team last Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

A combination of windslab and old storm snow overlies facets and melt-freeze crust. A thicker (5cm) layer of facets exists in more sheltered areas below treeline. In windy areas in the alpine and treeline windslab and settled snow may sit directly on the crust with little or no facets. This overlies a melt freeze crust complex and a generally more stable base of the snowpack. Areas close to the divide have the best snow coverage.

Weather Summary

Tues

Overcast with trace snow throughout the day. Wind NW 30 increasing to SW and 50. Alpine High -7

Wed

Cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow through the day and 10-15 through the night. Wind W 50 becoming 30. Alpine High -12

Thurs

Skies clearing. Light to moderate E wind. Alpine High -15

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have switched back and forth between SW and NE, so be aware that windslabs may have formed in either standard or reverse lees. Recent natural wind slab avalanches were observed on SE aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This problem will most likely be found in steep sheltered areas at treeline and below and may be more reactive with fresh load on Wed and Thurs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2