Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Dec 13 – 16, 2016Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Great low density snow may be covering Wind Slabs near ridge crests. Danger will be MODERATE in any Treeline areas that received wind - pay attention for stiff or dense feeling snow. Below Treeline, Beware hidden stumps and rocks!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Pay attention for stiffer feeling snow beneath your skis near changes in the terrain.  During Thursdays weather event, expect to see this problem switch to South & West facing slopes, and to increase rapidly in size.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    This problem is most widespread in the alpine, where new snow totals are highest; but has also been noted in steep ice climbing areas Below Treeline. Skiers, use caution in steep terrain; Climbers, use caution around gullies, and avoid during wind.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Sunny, high of -17 at Treeline, Light - Moderate North-Westerly winds.Wednesday: Sunny, High of -13 at Treeline, Light Westerly winds.Thursday:  Incoming Upslope weather system.  Watch for dropping temperatures, rising winds from the North-East, and Light - Moderate snowfall.

Snowpack Summary

27cm of new snow fell between Friday and Monday. In Eastern areas, this was redistributed by Moderate Westerly winds. Western areas appear to have experienced less wind; but some wind slabs may have formed in immediate lees and wind exposed features.

Avalanche Summary

A road patrol on Monday revealed numerous Small (Size 1 - 1.5) Loose Dry avalanches on all aspects; these were most widespread in the alpine. One Small (Size 1) Wind Slab avalanche was observed at 2400m on an Eastern aspect, immediately lee to ridgetop.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Regions covered