Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Ski quality remains excellent but pockets of reactive wind slab are hiding in strange places. Use caution in areas with visible wind effect.
Saturdays natural avalanche is a reminder that specific terrain features may have heightened avalanche hazard
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine high -10 with Moderate SW wind.
Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine high -10 with Light to Moderate SW wind.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with and Alpine high of -8. Moderate SW wind.
Snowpack Summary
Last weeks snow is settling well in sheltered areas at Cameron Lake but pockets of wind slab continue to develop in unusual places due to variable wind direction. Surface snow sits over old wind slab which overlies a melt freeze crust below 1900m. Mid snowpack is well consolidated but becomes faceted and shallow east of the Cameron Lake area.
Avalanche Summary
A size 2 natural avalanche occurred on a West aspect of Buchanan Ridge on a cross loaded gully feature. See MIN report for pictures.
Loose Dry activity observed over the weekend in steep terrain in the Alpine and at treeline.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are forming in unusual places. Last weeks cold snap was accompanied by northerly wind which may be hard to remember now we are back to our typical SW flow. Be on the look out for pockets of stiffer snow in open terrain
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by northerly winds last weekend.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2