Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2019 4:16PM

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

Marcus Waring, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Ski conditions are good at Cameron Lake but be on the look out for pockets of Windslab.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Friday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Trace amounts of snow. Alpine high -11. Light NE windsSaturday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Trace amounts of snow. Alpine high of -28. Moderate NE winds.Sunday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine high -20. Light E winds

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of facetting storm snow has been redistributed by SW winds. This new snow sits on a variety of previous wind affected surfaces including a melt freeze crust up to 2000m on all asp. The Midpack is strong in deep snowpack areas but the facets at the base of the snowpack remain a concern in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of natural Size 1 loose dry avalanches still visible from previous storm. No new avalanche activity last 48h.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs have formed with recent SW winds. Expect reverse loading as the wind swings NE Friday Morning

Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by N-NE winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Though there has been limited activity on this layer, it is still on our mind with consistent sudden collapse results in test profiles.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2019 4:00PM