Avalanche forecast

Waterton Lakes

Dec 19 – 22, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The most consistent ski quality lies in wind-sheltered treeline terrain, where storm slabs are less prevalent. Ice climbs have begun reforming during the past week, however watch for sluffing from steep gullys above.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1
    Watch for sluffing in gullys and couloirs.These may be triggered by wind or humans, and run fast on old crusts where they are near the surface.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New snow and light wind transport have created storm slabs. These may entrain loose snow in their track and grow in size.

Weather Forecast

A weak front raced over the region today, with the freezing level around town. Light snowfall will taper off by morning. Temperatures will gradually lower Saturday, and remain cool all week. A mix of sun and cloud tomorrow, with the odd flurry in the West. Another weak front Sunday brings us blustery winds and light snowfall from midday on.

Snowpack Summary

10cm of dense new snow at treeline has fallen on top of low density fluff, or on previously visible windslabs near ridges. Light to Moderate W winds are transporting this snow to immediate lees at ridgetop. A week-old rain crust, buried 25-40cm down, is present from treeline down, and a mid-November crust down 30-60cm caps a strong lower snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry sluffing observed out of steep terrain this afternoon.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Regions covered