Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2012 4:00PM

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

brent kozachenko, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Lots of uncertainty, but some weather forecasts indicate moderate snowfall late Saturday and Sunday AM. Accumulations of 15 to 20 cms possible. Extreme westerly winds also likely, elevating avalanche danger over the weekend. LP snowpack 145 cm.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

Continuing light storm snow has been hammered by strong westerly winds. Surface slabs to 25cms or thicker have formed on north and easterly facing slopes and other lee terrain features. Expect deeper slabs and touchier conditions in the alpine

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Previously deposited slabs on north and easterly facing terrain are sitting on a variety of potentially weak crystals and hard crusts. Cornice failures or other larger loads may trigger a deeper release in these layers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2012 4:00PM