Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2014 7:53AM

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

jon stuart-smith, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

A storm forecast for Friday night could bring 40cm of snow at upper elevations along with strong winds. Assess the conditions becausethis will increase avalanche dangers.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow is forecast to start Friday afternoon at higher elevations and continue throughout Saturday. Accumulations could be up to 40cm by Sunday. Freezing level is also forecast to climb, with rain at valley bottom. Strong westerly winds will accompany this system with gusting over 100km/hr.

Snowpack Summary

Another 10-15cm overnight on top of the 40cm from Friday. Strong West winds continue to build wind slabs in open areas. labs can be found behind exposed features well below treeline and more significant slabs exist at higher elevations. 30 to 40 cm off of the ground a weak layer of sugary faceted crystals remains a concern.

Avalanche Summary

Some continued loose snow avalanche activity on wind loaded slopes as well as one small slab lower down the slope in CV4.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds with a continuation of new snow will keep building windslabs in open areas. These can be found well below treeline.

The best powder will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This weak layer of snow persists 30 to 40 cm above the ground. Triggering a wind slab could produce the large load necessary to wake this layer up. Use caution in thin areas particularly with steep, planar, or unsupported slopes.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Use conservative route selection, stick to moderate angled terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2014 4:00PM