Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2017 4:00PM

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

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Strong winds have moved lots of snow around. Watch for wind slabs.

Summary

Weather Forecast

5-10cm of snow forecasted overnight Thursday and a trend to colder temperatures with daytime highs below -10 C and windchill values below -20 C. Winds will die down from strong (40km/h+) Thursday night and look to remain "only" in the moderate range (20-40km/h) into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Strong west winds have scoured ridge-tops and exposed terrain down to valley bottom. The snowpack at 1650m is 53cm. Below tree-line but above 1600m has a crust/facet combo at the bottom on the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds have scoured wind exposed terrain down to valley bottom. Wind slab could likely be found on immediate lee slopes.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2017 4:00PM