Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Recent snowfall is bonding well in sheltered locations but pockets of wind slab will become more reactive as the SW wind returns on Tuesday.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Light West wind with gusts up to 50 m/h. Alpine high of -3.
Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate SW wind. Freezing level rising to 1900m during the day.
Thursday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Moderate SW wind with gusts up to 100km/h
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of new snow is bonding well to previous surfaces but expect the recent snow to become more reactive as it transitions to wind slab on tuesday. These wind slabs sit over a variety of old surfaces including a thick crust that exists to ridgetop (except on high N aspects) or old wind slab on N-E alpine slopes. Mid snowpack is well consolidated
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche activity observed. Please consider submitting a MIN report if you see an avalanches.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
This problem is specific to steep terrain features. This dry loose problem will become wet loose by thursday as temperatures begin to rise and the sun comes out.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5