Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2012 3:32PM

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

brent kozachenko, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Windy conditions expected to continue this week. Weather forecasts uncertain as to amount of new snow Tues/Wed, amounts of up to 15cms possible. Sheltered locations below treeline providing best snow conditions. Little Prairie snowpack 136cms.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

Continuing light storm snow has been hammered by strong westerly winds. Surface slabs to 15cms or thicker have formed on north and easterly facing slopes and other lee terrain features. Expect deeper slabs and touchier conditions in the alpine

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Previously deposited slabs on north and easterly facing terrain are sitting on a variety of potentially weak crystals and hard crusts. Cornice failures or other larger loads may trigger a deeper release in these layers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2012 4:00PM