Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Feb 22 – 25, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

VERY COLD Wed/Thurs! Wind chills up to -45C. Keep days short and bring emergency layers.

Friday brings warmer temps and a return to SW wind. Evaluate fresh slabs on standard lees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Only isolated pockets below treeline.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak grains in the form of facets have developed above and below the Mid January crust. Field tests on this layer Tuesday show that it may be gaining strength, however observations have been limited and it is now buried up to 1m deep. If triggered larger avalanches may occur.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new naturals observed however poor vis today. Two significant whumps with cracking in a thin below treeline area, suspect windslab over a weakening crust and basal facets.

Thanks to all the great posts this week on the Mountain Information Network, keep it up!!!

Snowpack Summary

30-50cm storm snow since Monday with Mod-NE winds forming soft windslab in reverse loaded features at all elevations. This overlies a stiffer windslab from last week's wind events and the Mid-January crust interface that is now down 50-100 cm. Alpine and Treeline midpack is well settled and overlies basal facets and depth hoar, especially in thin areas. Below treeline, the Jan Crust overlies facets and depth hoar to ground.

Weather Summary

Wednesday

Alpine High: -28C, winds: NE 40 km/h, trace precip, sunny with some clouds

Thursday

Alp High: -30C, winds: NE 35 km/h, trace precip, sunny with some clouds

Friday

Alp High: -15C, winds: W 40 km/h, no precip, clear skies

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