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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 4th, 2012–Dec 5th, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

There is skiing above 1900m! But, all the ice climbs have fallen off too! Access to higher elevations requires the use of summer trails still, and watch for early season hazards (rocks, stumps) that are hidden just below the surface.

Weather Forecast

Continued mild temperatures are expected with some potential for modest accumulations of snow above 1700m. Drying expected Wed and Thurs. Likely to experience continued moderate W and SW winds throughout the period.

Snowpack Summary

Little to no snow below 1500m. At 1800m there is approx 60 cm which does not allow travel off of summer trails. A rain crust buried Nov 30 persists to 1950m. At 2000m we have found over 150cm in sheltered areas with crusts found only at the bottom.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity has centered around extreme terrain in the immediate lee areas from  recent winds. Visibility has been poor in the last 48-hours with fog and precipitation.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Slabs developing in open lee areas with W and SW winds. Below 1950m these will be sitting on a crust. Above 1950m there is a chance that surface hoar exists in protected areas. There is a large amount of snow now available for transport.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Buried crust layers exist at all elevations. At 2000m these are limited to basal layers which are starting to show signs of growing weak crystals. Thin areas will be of concern where cool temperatures can penetrate and triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3