Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 13th, 2011–Dec 16th, 2011

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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.

Strong winds have started to build the storm snow from Sunday into wind slabs. Sheltered areas best bet for some turns. Strong winds still forecast for Tue night but should die down by Wed. Forecast uncertain for snow on Thur. Snow @ L. Prairie 75cm.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds are building the storm snow from Sunday into slabs. It was easy to trigger small wind slabs in steep terrain on Forum ridge on Tuesday. The avalanches were small but if you were in the wrong place you could get knocked over and buried.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal weakness is bridged with dense snow in most locations, and is showing signs of strengthening. Warm temps last week and increased snow depth should help this process but the potential for large, destructive avalanches remains a concern.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4