Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2013 4:28PM

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

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Waterton Lakes.

Continued mild conditions.  Watch for rapid warming when the sun comes out. Good skiing in sheltered areas over the last several days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued mild weather with moderate W to NW winds in the alpine.  Little precipitation is expected over the next several days.

Snowpack Summary

Thin sun crust on steep S aspects. Wind slabs forming near ridge crests and in open areas at tree line and above from Moderate to Strong NW winds.  Below this is a well settled snowpack.  No significant shears found in test profiles over the past several days.  Still some concerns for facets in thin areas and cross loaded gully features.

Avalanche Summary

Several cornice failures have occurred over the last few days.  Some of these have triggered wind slabs up to size 2 in steep terrain.  One steep cross loaded NW facing gully feature released naturally today as a size 2.5 at about 2000m in a thin snow pack area.  Otherwise little natural activity has been observed over the last several days.   

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Use caution if you encounter wind slabs near ridge crests or in steep loaded terrain.  These are generally easy to spot at this time. 
Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded featuresBe cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
With the recent NW winds and snow these have grown quickly and are now quite fragile.  Be especially cautious of cornice failures with warm temperatures and sun.
Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.Stay well back from cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2013 4:00PM

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