Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2017 11:20AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry and Storm Slabs.

Timothy Johnson, Parks Canada

Waterton Lakes.

Winter has returned to Waterton! New snow has increased the avalanche danger. Please see the up-to-date list of open and closed areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Colder temperatures will continue throughout the week with overnight lows below -10 C in the Waterton Townsite . West winds will increase to strong gusting extreme (60 km/h+) Wednesday evening but will diminish Thursday afternoon bringing more snow flurries into Friday morning.

Snowpack Summary

A storm has brought colder temperatures and 60cm of snow to the Waterton Townsite with very little wind. Shrubs and twigs are still poking out of the the snow below tree-line. Above 1600m, at tree-line and alpine, the new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces including a crust, wind-scoured surfaces and possibly surface hoar in shelter areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Loose Dry

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Storm Slabs

60cm of new snow sits on a variety of weak layers. Expect an increase in avalanches as the new snow settles and is moved around by the wind.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2017 4:00PM