Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Weather Forecast
The system over Waterton will pass overnight leaving another 10cm with moderate West winds. Small amounts of snow are expected Friday as the winds start to shift NW and temperatures begin to drop. Light North winds for Saturday with some flurries as the temperatures continue to drop. Expect -20 C for Monday with very light winds and blue skys.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 100 cm now buries a significant weak layer found on all aspects and at all elevations. Gusty West winds and mild temperatures have contributed to widespread slab formation especially in open areas. More loading and wind will increase the serious nature of these persistent slabs. Weak snow at the base of the snowpack also remains a concern.
Avalanche Summary
Widespread natural activity occurred though the week with many large events flattening trees. Most significant paths ran. One sz 3.5 avalanche was confirmed to have stepped down to the November facets and this is suspected to have occurred in some of the many other sz 3 events which ran full path. Impressive propagations and remote triggering seen.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 4