Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2018 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Rapid change to the snowpack means rapid change to the avalanche hazard. Minimize your overhead hazard to steep slopes this week.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The temperature is forecasted to plummet Tuesday afternoon into the -15C to -20C range until Friday. With the drop in temperatures we are also expecting 20cm of new snow on Tuesday and into Wednesday. Winds will shift to the NE and become light during the snowfall before swinging back West and increasing to a normal blustery Waterton on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Temperatures have been above freezing in the townsite for the last four days. This has made the snowpack moist. With dropping temperatures forecasted the surface of the snow will become a crust. This could provide a good sliding surface for the forecasted new snow. Rapid change to the snowpack typically increases avalanche hazard.

Avalanche Summary

There have been small loose wet avalanches from steep slopes with a smooth bed surface due to the above freezing temperatures. We can expect to see an increase in avalanche activity with the forecasted snow on Tuesday and through the week.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Caution when the new snow becomes stiff and develops into a slab.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Watch for signs of slab formation, such as whumpfing and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Avoid traveling on ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2018 4:00PM