Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2017 11:10AM

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

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Watch for wind chill and wind slabs in Waterton

Summary

Weather Forecast

Remaining cold for the week. West winds forecasted to increase to moderate Tuesday afternoon and into Wednesday. Possible snow forecasted on Thursday evening.

Snowpack Summary

Where the snow was not effected by the wind it is settling and with cold temperatures and a shallow snowpack, likely faceting. Below tree-line but above 1600m has a crust/facet combo at the bottom on the snowpack. After strong west winds this weekend you can expect to find wind slabs in deposition zones and gullies at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observation in Waterton.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds have scoured wind exposed terrain down to valley bottom. Wind slabs could likely be found on immediate lee slopes at all elevations.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and in terrain depressions

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2017 4:00PM