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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 5th, 2024–Feb 8th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Waterton Lakes, Waterton.

15-20 cm of new snow fell at Cameron Lake over the weekend. There is decent uphill travel and skiing to be had due to the burly crust that sits underneath. Watch out for fresh wind slabs on all aspects as this snow blows around with variable wind directions through the week.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural dry loose and wind slab avalanches to size 2 were observed on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

20 - 40 cm of snow fell over the weekend and sits on a crust 10-15 cm thick at all aspects and elevations. Below this, the snowpack is moist to ground at treeline and below. This will slowly refreeze with cooler temperatures this week. The Dec 23rd and basal crusts are currently less of a concern due to the effect of significant warming last week and anticipated refreeze. Significantly less snow in the eastern areas of the park. Snowpack depths between 30 - 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Tues

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries ending in the morning. Minimal accumulation. Wind SW 40 kph becoming 20. Freezing level valley bottom rising to 1800 m. Alpine high of -5°C.

Weds

Increasing cloudiness with flurries beginning in the evening. Wind light from NW. Alpine high of -6°C.

Thurs

Up to 10 cm of new snow. Light NW wind. Alpine high -8°C.

For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.