Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Waterton Lakes.
Weather Forecast
After dropping about 15-20 cm the pacific air will be pushed out of the Park by arctic air Friday with temperatures dropping to near -20. This high pressure system will dominate Saturday. Pacific air will challenge the arctic air reaching the divide on Sunday which may result in limited snowfall. Expect variable wind direction and speed.
Snowpack Summary
10 cm new snow in the past 24 hrs. The 0314 interface is down 25 to 40 cm and is a crust below 1900m. The 0318 suncrust is 20 cm deep on solar aspects. Storm slabs have formed over these interfaces with mild temperatures and strong West winds. The 0310 rain crust is down 70 cm at Treeline and can be found as high as 2300m.
Avalanche Summary
Loose moist activity has diminished with dropping temperatures however loose dry activity can still be expected out of very steep terrain. Skiers at treeline elevations experienced cracking and small slabs failing in wind effected areas: a sign that storm slabs will be active to skier triggering in steep or unsupported terrain.
Confidence
Wind speed and direction is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2 - 4