Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Skiing near the continental divide has been refreshed with new snow. However high freezing levels will effect ski quality throughout the week.
As snowfall amounts increase we expect to see a wider avalanche cycle.
Weather Forecast
Tonight: 15 cm snow forecast for the continental divide.
Tues: Cloudy with flurries, amounting 10 cm. Moderate SW winds gusting extreme. Freezing levels 2000m.
Wed: Cloudy with flurries, amounting 10 cm. Moderate SW winds. Freezing levels 1800m.
Thurs: Cloudy with sunny periods, chance of flurries. Light NE winds. Freezing levels valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
30 cm storm snow fell close to the dived on Monday. This tappers to 10 cm in front ranges. Warm temps are creating soft slabs in storm snow. This overlies windslab 10-30 cm deep. Feb 15 crust is 1 cm thick and exists to tree line all aspects and higher on solar aspects. Well settled midpack. Facets above Dec 4 crust, buried 150-200 cm.
Avalanche Summary
A few natural wind slab avalanches have been reported in the park up to sz 2 this week. Poor visibility monday kept us from seeing a avalanche cycle within storm snow. Thanks for the great observations on the Mountain Information Network, we love seeing your adventures.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Warm temps, variable winds and 30+ cm new snow has created soft storm slabs. Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.
- Be careful of loose dry sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.
- Steep unsupported terrain and slope convexities are the likely locations to awaken the storm slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5