Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

jonas hoke, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

While warm temperatures will settle and strengthen the snowpack over time, caution is still advised during the heat of the day. Be especially cautious if you notice a significant increase in ski penetration through out the day. JH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued warm temperatures through the forecast period, with light to moderate south west wind and scattered clouds. The warm air that was trapped over cooler air on Monday and Tuesday is beginning to mix, expect to see an increasingly normal temperature profile through the week.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing warm temperatures are causing rapid settlement of the upper snowpack. A surface crust formed Monday night at treeline and below, but had broken down again by midday Tuesday. Windslabs from the extreme W winds last weekend are now difficult to trigger. Down 50 cm is a weak layer in isolated areas, and 1m deep is a faceting rain crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity has been observed or reported.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Extreme Westerly winds over the weekend have and built Wind Slabs in unusual areas: these may be lower than usual in start zones, and in typically wind-sheltered terrain.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Facets sit atop at crust buried up to a meter deep. This layer generally requires large triggers, but may increase in sensitivity during periods of warm temperatures.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.Use caution on wide-open slopes - these are the most suspect.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

This problem has not presented itself yet, but may if temperatures remain above freezing overnight.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2016 4:00PM