Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2018 4:09PM

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

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Avoid all avalanche terrain as avalanches can run to valley bottom.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Winter Storm Warning in effect for Waterton on Thursday. Forecasts models regarding precipitation amounts range from 20cm-50cm. This snow is accompanied with cold temperatures (-15C) and light NE winds. Snow will taper off into Friday, temperatures will warm-up and skies will clear into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

There is a weak facet layer deep in the snowpack that has been producing large avalanches to the West of Waterton. We are concerned that the new snow on Thursday might cause this weak layer to fail producing large avalanches.

Avalanche Summary

There have been large avalanches to the West of Waterton, in the Lizard Range, in the last week.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak facet layer in the snowpack could wake-up with the new snow forecasted on Thursday.

Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Storm Slabs

Watch for slab formation with warming temperatures into the weekend. The new snow may also be sitting on old wind slabs

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2018 4:00PM